In a message at the 36th Youth Festival in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pope Leo XIV told pilgrims to remember that Christians are a pilgrim people that must walk together toward the Lord, encountering and caring for those they meet.

The message, which is dated July 9 and was released Aug. 4 for the Festival, draws on the writings of Saint Augustine and focuses on the motto chosen for the Aug. 4-8 Festival: “We will go to the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1).

“This phrase tells us of a journey, of a desire to move towards God, towards his dwelling-place, where we can truly be at home, because he awaits us there with his Love,” the Pontiff wrote.

Pope Leo emphasized that pilgrimage is not something unusual in the Christian life; Christians are a pilgrim people. 

Further, he explained, this identity as pilgrims is not isolating.

“On the path of life, no one walks alone,” he wrote. “Our paths are always intertwined with those of others: we are made for encounter, for walking together, for discovering together a shared goal.”

The Holy Father warned against the error of believing that technology, and particularly artificial intelligence, can replace the reality of individuals’ need for each other.

“In this regard, dear friends, you know well that we live in an increasingly digital world, where artificial intelligence and technology offer a thousand opportunities,” he wrote. “Remember: no algorithm can ever substitute an embrace, a glance, a true encounter, neither with God, nor our friends, nor our family.”

“Think of Mary. She too set out on an arduous journey to meet her cousin Elizabeth,” he continued. “It was not easy, but she did it, and that encounter gave rise to joy: John the Baptist rejoiced in his mother’s womb, recognizing the living presence of the Lord in the womb of the virgin Mary.”

He encouraged the pilgrims to actively seek out encounters with others. 

“Rejoice together, and do not be afraid to weep with those who weep,” he told the pilgrims, “as Saint Paul also tells us: ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep’.”

Noting that pilgrims come to Medjugorgie from many different countries, the Pope noted that differences of language and culture can seem like barriers, but, in faith, these fall away when pilgrims encounter each other as fellow Catholics.

“There is a language stronger than any barrier, the language of faith, nourished by God’s love,” he wrote. “You are all members of his Body, which is the Church: meet each other, get to know each other, share. Only in this way, by walking together, supporting each other, inspiring each other, will we reach the house of the Lord.”

The Pope then encouraged those who feel called to the priesthood or religious life to “listen with confidence” to God’s call and not be afraid. 

“That invitation, which you feel vibrate within, comes from God, who speaks to our hearts,” Pope Leo said. “Listen to Him with confidence: indeed, the word of the Lord not only makes us truly free and happy, but also authentically fulfils us as men and as Christians.”

The Holy Father closed by entrusting all those present to the protection and prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and prayed that her intercession might help them “to become proclaimers of peace and hope.”