In Equatorial Guinea, the pope told young people and families to let Christ’s light shape a future of love, responsibility, and hope.

BATA, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV met with young people and families on Wednesday evening in an event marked by singing, dancing, and a stadium full of jubilant Catholics waving Vatican and Equatorial Guinean flags.

Even under relentless rain, the atmosphere remained festive, with chants, songs to the Virgin Mary, and crowds greeting the pontiff as he rode around the field in the popemobile.

Before the pope spoke, Bishop Miguel Ángel Nguema Bee, apostolic administrator and head of youth ministry for the Equatorial Guinea bishops’ conference, welcomed him to the country and to the Diocese of Bata. He described Equatorial Guinea as “a young country, full of energy, questions, and a thirst for life” while acknowledging its challenges and affirming that “Christ is our light.”

Local songs and dances followed, along with the presentation of gifts to the pope, including a fishing net, a statue of the Virgin Mary, a model boat, and a staff — objects reflecting the country’s daily life and cultural traditions.

Several young people and families then gave testimonies.

A young worker, Alicia Ikimo Ipo, spoke about the meaning of being Christian in daily life and about bringing Christ into ordinary work and human relationships.

A young married couple, Purificación Nntongono Nguema and Jaime Antonio Ndong, shared their hope for an Equatorial Guinea marked by united and reconciled families, open to dialogue and forgiveness, and rooted in marriage as taught by the Church.

Seminarian Francisco Martín Nze Obiang spoke of overcoming fear in responding to God’s call, saying he had discovered that when Christ calls, he does not take anything away but gives everything.

The most moving testimony came from 13-year-old Arnoldo Abeso Ondo, who spoke about growing up with only his mother and about the importance for young people of respecting themselves, caring for themselves, and living responsibly.

The pope then turned to the testimonies he had heard.

Speaking about Alicia, he said: “In this regard, Alicia spoke to us about the importance of being faithful to one’s duties and of contributing to the good of the family and society through daily work.” He added that her words invite reflection “on the importance of productive, committed effort and on the need always to uphold the dignity of every human being.”

Turning to Francisco Martín’s witness, Leo said the seminarian “has given us a glimpse into the beautiful reality of so many young people who give themselves totally to God for the salvation of their brothers and sisters.”

Encouraging vocations, the pope said: “So, if you feel that Christ is calling you to follow him in a path of special consecration — as priests, religious sisters, or religious brothers — do not be afraid to follow in his footsteps. As he himself promised, I too wish to assure you today that you will receive ‘a hundredfold and … eternal life’ (Mt 19:29).”

Addressing family life and marriage, Leo said: “Many of you will prepare to receive the sacrament of holy matrimony. Being spouses and parents is an exciting mission — a covenant to be lived day by day. Within this covenant, you will continually rediscover one another as you cooperate with God in the miracle of life and in building happiness for yourselves and for your children.”

He urged couples to embrace marriage “as a journey of true love that grows in freedom; as a journey of hope, born from the knowledge that God will never abandon you; and as journey of holiness, in which you always seek the good and happiness of others.”

The pope also thanked Victor Antonio — the name given in the official text to the young witness whose testimony centered on the need to protect life and care for the vulnerable — saying: “I warmly thank Victor Antonio for sharing his story with such sincerity and courage.”

Leo added: “His testimony may unsettle us, but it does not discourage us. Rather, it invites us to build a better world — one founded on respect for burgeoning life and on a sense of responsibility toward the most vulnerable among us.”

He continued: “Victor Antonio has reminded us that welcoming life requires love, commitment, and care. These words, spoken by a young person, should lead us to reflect seriously on the importance of protecting and safeguarding the family and the values learned within it.”

Summing up his message as an appeal to Christian love, Leo said: “Let us be inspired by the beauty of love; let us become witnesses to the love that Jesus has given us and taught us! Let us show every day that it is beautiful to love — that the greatest joys, in every situation, come from knowing how to give and from giving of ourselves, especially when we reach out to those most in need.”

He concluded by linking charity lived in the home to the transformation of society itself: “The light of charity, nurtured in our homes and lived out in faith, can truly transform the world — even its structures and institutions — so that every person is respected and no one is forgotten.”

“Let us together make this a firm resolution, a joyful commitment,” he said, “so that the crucified and risen Christ — the light of Equatorial Guinea, of Africa, and of the whole world — may guide us all toward a future filled with hope.”

Antonio Tarallo contribute to this ACI Stampa story, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.