Christian World | Pope Leo XIV told tens of thousands of young Peruvians at Lima's National Stadium on Thursday that Jesus knows their story and urged them to trust him

ACW | November 13, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV urged young people in Peru to trust in Jesus Christ at a prayer vigil with youth and university students at Lima's National Stadium on Thursday night, Nov. 12, Vatican News reported.

Speaking to those who fear they have made too many mistakes or that it is too late to begin again, the pope said: "Look to Jesus. He knows your story and continues to invite you to walk with Him."

"You do not need to have your entire future figured out before responding to Him," he said. Recalling Pope Benedict XVI's words that "evil always poisons," he told them: "Do not be deceived!"

The pope encouraged silent prayer and asked the young people to consider the priesthood, consecrated life, marriage or service to others. He closed by repeating three times the prayer "Jesus, I trust in you."

Before the pope spoke, three young adults described facing bullying, depression or the loss of loved ones before finding a place in the Church, EWTN News reported.

Background: The vigil was the third youth prayer vigil of the pope's South American tour and the last event of his first full day in Peru, where he served as a bishop for years before becoming pope. He arrived in Peru after a farewell Mass in Argentina.

Why it matters: About 60,000 people filled the stadium and some 300,000 more followed outside, local authorities said, according to EWTN News. Vatican News put the crowd inside the stadium at more than 60,000.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Vatican News — Pope: Jesus 'knows your story and continues to invite you to walk with Him'; EWTN News — Pope Leo XIV rallies young people in third prayer vigil of South American tour

Photo: Vatican Media