Pope Leo XIV Encourages Scouts to Deepen Faith

Pope Leo XIV encouraged Catholic scouts and guides to strengthen their commitment to faith and service during an audience with members of the Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts of Europe Association (AGESCI Europa) in the Vatican. The occasion marked the 50th anniversary of the Association, linking the jubilee celebration to the recent Solemnity of Pentecost, which the Pope noted means “fiftieth.”

“May this happy anniversary be for you like a new Pentecost,” Pope Leo XIV said, praying for the Holy Spirit to descend upon every member as it had upon the Apostles in the Upper Room. He emphasized that the gift of the Holy Spirit brings life to the Christian experience, opens hearts to mission, and inspires believers to witness the beauty of their faith.

Reflecting on the Association’s fifty-year history, Pope Leo praised its educational mission, which is founded on the scouting methodology attributed to Lord Baden-Powell. He affirmed that this approach leads young individuals to encounter Jesus Christ, referring to Him as “Teacher of the good life, faithful Friend, and sure Guide on our journey.” The Pope called attention to the importance of outdoor experiences in scouting, pointing to nature as a medium revealing God’s goodness.

Pope Leo urged scouts to connect “the book of nature” with the Word of God and to daily draw strength from Sacred Scripture. Echoing Pope Francis, he encouraged them to keep the Gospel accessible as their “navigator,” asserting that it serves as “the true map of life.” Specifically addressing scout leaders, he reaffirmed that the Gospel embodies the person of Christ, highlighting how He satisfies humanity's yearning for justice and guides believers through life's challenges.

In discussing the educational mission of scouting, Pope Leo underscored the significance of personal witness. He pointed out that leaders' lives and choices provide powerful examples for young people, fostering their growth in faith and character. He commended the role of priests as spiritual assistants, noting their essential connection between the Church and the scouting movement, and praised their contributions to the spiritual development of young scouts.

Transitioning to the Association’s educational strategies, Pope Leo commented on the importance of separate sections for boys and girls, which allows for tailored attention to each group's unique characteristics. He stated that such a model encourages genuine interactions and growth among participants. The Pope also lauded the Association's vision for a Europe based on Christian humanism, stressing the importance of building a Europe shaped by values rather than merely economic interests.

At the heart of Baden-Powell's vision of education is the concept of service. The Pope described service as a commitment to freely offer one’s abilities and time to others, without anticipation of reward. Through engaging in service, young scouts cultivate solidarity, responsibility, and a social conscience. When exercised within the framework of faith, service counters self-centeredness and fosters community connections.

Pope Leo concluded his address by encouraging scouts and guides to pursue their activities with joy and dedication. He prayed for the Holy Spirit to bless them with His gifts, enabling them to promote charity, acceptance, and peace.