Pope Leo XIV warns young Catholics they may “disappear from the parish” after confirmation

Pope Leo XIV addressed about 1,000 candidates for the sacrament of confirmation from the Archdiocese of Genoa on May 16, urging them to pray for the Holy Spirit’s gift of perseverance. He highlighted the spiritual benefits of confirmation, saying the fullness of the Holy Spirit gives “enthusiasm, strength and the ability to follow Jesus Christ.” The pontiff expressed concern that many young people “disappear from the parish” after receiving the sacrament and called on the candidates to make a personal promise to remain faithful disciples, to stay involved in parish life, and to support one another in community.

He linked perseverance to the upcoming Pentecost celebration on May 24, reminding the youths of the apostles’ experience of the Holy Spirit and encouraging them to be “living witnesses” of that spirit in their families and broader society.