Messages received

Dear Young People,

On the occasion of the European Meeting organised by the Taizé Community, his Holiness Pope Leo XIV has asked me to convey his cordial greetings and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to you. Your gathering marks a new stage in the “Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth” that Brother Roger began almost half a century ago in this same city of Paris. The Holy Father is delighted to know that you are gathered in a city characterized by a rich religious heritage, shaped over the centuries by the luminous witness of so many holy people who, each in their own way, responded boldly to Christ's call.

The theme of this year's letter, “What are you seeking?”, written by Brother Matthew, Prior of Taizé, touches on an essential question that dwells in the heart of every human being. The Holy Father invites you not to be afraid of this question, but to carry it in prayer and silence, convinced that Christ is walking beside you and that he allows himself to be found by all those who seek him with a sincere heart.

At the end of a year marked by so many trials for our human family, the generous hospitality you will receive in Paris from believers of all backgrounds and people of good will is a powerful message to the world. May the moments of prayer and sharing that you will experience over these days help you to deepen your faith, discerning ever more clearly how to live out the Gospel in the concrete realities of your lives.

This meeting also takes place at a special moment in the life of the Church, marked by the conclusion of a jubilee year and the commemorations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. As Pope Leo XIV recently recalled during the ecumenical prayer meeting in Iznik, “reconciliation is today a call that comes from all humanity afflicted by conflict and violence. The desire for full communion among all believers in Jesus Christ is always accompanied by the search for fraternity among all human beings.” The Holy Father encourages you to become pilgrims of trust, creators of peace and reconciliation, capable of bringing humble and joyful hope to those around you. Entrusting you, as well as the Taizé Community and its ecumenical mission, to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, he cordially grants you the Apostolic Blessing.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness

Dear young people,

It is with great joy and deep paternal affection that we extend our warmest greetings to you on the occasion of the European Meeting that brings you together in Paris and the surrounding region, in the heart of winter, but above all on the threshold of a new year. Your presence, your journeying and your commitment bear witness to a living hope, capable of giving light to our world, which is often darkened by uncertainty, fear and division.

You come from different countries, cultures and church traditions. Yet you have responded to the same call: to set out on a journey, to leave your usual routines behind for a time, in order to meet other young people, to pray together, to listen, to dialogue and to seek the profound meaning of an authentically Christian life. This pilgrimage of trust is a precious sign: it shows that today's youth are not resigned to indifference or withdrawal, but dare to believe that encountering others is a source of richness and not a threat.

The city of Paris, which is welcoming you, has a long and complex history, marked by light and trials, creativity and wounds. It is also a place where men and women of diverse convictions live side by side. In this context, your gathering becomes a silent but powerful witness: it affirms that peace begins with listening, that dialogue is possible, and that fraternity is not an abstract ideal, but a concrete vocation. As the Apostle Paul exhorts us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).

Through the theme proposed to you — “What are you seeking?” — you are invited to ask yourselves an essential question, which Christ Himself addresses to those who approach Him at the beginning of the Gospel: “What are you seeking?” (Jn 1:38). This question runs through the whole of human existence. It calls you to discern what is in your heart: your desires, your fears, your dreams, but also your thirst for truth, justice and love. Do not be afraid of this question. Welcome it in silence and prayer, for it is often there that God draws near and in a whispers the suggestion of a path.

Dear young people,

The world needs your clear vision, your courage and your capacity for hope. It needs young peacemakers, capable of resisting violence, exclusion and contempt for others. It needs witnesses of humble faith, conceived not as power but as service. In the Orthodox tradition, we like to recall that the true strength of Christians is manifested in love given without conditions and in fidelity to one's neighbour.

We also wish to express our gratitude to the volunteers and families who are welcoming you with such generosity . Their hospitality is a living icon of the Gospel: it opens doors, creates bonds and transforms strangers into brothers and sisters. This is the very condition of the unity to which we are committed.

As we move forward together during these days, entrust your journey to God. May He enlighten your minds, strengthen your hearts and grant you peace. May this meeting help you to become, wherever you live, sowers of trust, dialogue and reconciliation.

We are glad to assure you of our paternal blessing and our prayers for each and every one of you as this new year 2026 begins.

Dear Brother Matthew, dear brothers of Taizé, dear young pilgrims of peace and hope and dear families and hosts in Paris who have opened your doors! I bring you greetings from the Lutheran World Federation, a communion of 154 member churches from around the world.

You have traveled to the beautiful city of Paris for the 48th European Youth Meeting organized by the Taizé Community. Our faith always sets us on a journey, a journey together, responding to Christ’s call: come and see! Your reflections on Christ’s question “What are you seeking?” are profound and deeply encouraging. In seeking silence, you discern direction, experiencing a deep gospel joy, discovering the courage to work for justice and peace, so urgently needed today, and doing all this together, in community, in a communion sustained and continually renewed by Christ’s promise.

For the Lutheran World Federation, this seeking is rooted in hope. God’s promise to make all things new gives hope; hope that is on the one hand grounded in the perspective of ultimate fulfilment of everything, yet which can be already glanced already here and now: “See, I am making all things new”. Yes, in responding to Christ’s question and call, through your own seeking and responding God mysteriously intervenes in the course of history, making all things new.

Of course, the seeking, the questions, the discernment are all the work of the Holy Spirit who guides and leads us deeper into prayer and into communion.

Allow me also to express my deep thanks to the brothers of Taizé for their faithful witness, through prayer and solidarity, to this communion, given by God.

I wish you much joy in your days together during this European Meeting and many blessings as you discern and follow Christ’s call.

On behalf of the fellowship of the World Council of Churches, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

As you gather in Paris for prayer, reflection, and dialogue, as part of your Pilgrimage of Trust, allow me to offer a word of encouragement and prayerful solidarity. Though we may not be physically present with you, we are deeply united in spirit.

The theme guiding your encounter speaks powerfully to our time. The search for meaning, justice, peace, and community in a world marked by fragmentation and conflict resonates strongly also within the ecumenical movement today.

Like Nicodemus, who comes to Jesus by night (John 3:1–21) – curious, cautious, and searching – so many young people today approach life with deep questions. They seek meaning, justice, and belonging amid the complexity and uncertainty of our world. You, together with millions around the globe, carry profound questions about identity, purpose, and what it truly means to live well.

Jesus tells Nicodemus that to truly live, one must be “born from above,” or “born again.” This is not an invitation to withdraw from the world, but to see it anew – with God’s eyes. For young people today, this speaks to a longing for a life that reaches beyond success, consumption, or social approval, toward something deeper and more life-giving.

To be “born anew” is to allow God to transform how we understand ourselves and one another—not as competitors or strangers, but as people deeply loved by God. Meaning in life does not begin with having all the answers, but with openness to God’s transforming grace.

This passage also speaks to the deep yearning for justice in our world. Jesus reminds us that God did not send the Son to condemn the world, but to save it. This challenges any notion that lasting change comes through blame, exclusion, or fear. Many young people are acutely aware of injustice – poverty, racism, violence, and environmental destruction – and often feel overwhelmed by systems that seem resistant to change.

May the words of John 3 reassure you that God’s response to a broken world is love that acts, not judgment that divides. Justice flows from truth lived in love, where light reveals what harms life and opens the way toward healing and reconciliation.

May your encounter be a sign of hope – a community where people are seen, heard, supported, and encouraged to grow in faith and trust. As fellow pilgrims for justice, reconciliation, and unity, we at the World Council of Churches walk alongside you and hold you in prayer.

Beloved Sisters and Brothers,

In the name of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, I greet you and extend the best wishes of the Conference of European Churches to you, as you gather for the "Pilgrimage of Trust".

As you well know, life is the idea of pilgrimage has always been part of the Christian tradition. We travel along the way and walk the steps on a sacred path, as we journey to reach our goal, a sacred shrine or some other holy place. On our pilgrimage we meet various people and enter into conversation and dialogue so the journey is filled with new and joyous experiences. In and through these experiences we learn, develop, grow and mature, so we can look to the next idea with hope.

You, as young people, you, your families and friends, on a special spiritual pilgrimage. During the days you will spend together, you will talk about critical issues - the building of community, dialogue, solidarity, among other matters. You will also share ideas about peace and how to promote this virtue in a time of trouble for our world. You must struggle and find peace within your own hearts, with one another, and with the world at large. Give the peace of Christ to troubled souls and guide them to join you as build new relationships of trust and friendships.

May the light of Christ, the new-born King, guide you and show you the way. Follow Him on this Pilgrimage of Trust, as the people of Israel followed Moses to the promised land.

We at CEC offer our best wishes to all of you and pray that your journey will be blessed with the love, mercy and grace of Christ.

May the Lord grant you peace and strengthen you in trust.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Please be assured of my prayers and best wishes as you gather in Paris for this international meeting. We live in a world of so much misunderstanding, polarisation, fear and confusion. May the light and peace of Christ draw you closer to each other as you come closer to him in prayer, contemplation, and worship.

Yours in Christ,

++ Stephen, Archbishop of York in the Church of England

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ from the Global Christian Forum!

As you gather in Paris for this season of reflection, dialogue, and shared community, I greet you with joy and a deep encouragement. These are times of great uncertainty: wars and conflicts rage in faraway lands, political and social instability touches lives near and far, and the pressures of materialism, social media, and constant connectivity often leave us restless, anxious, or isolated. Perhaps some of you are navigating moments of anxiety or mental health challenges in a world that is always ‘on’ yet often offers little lasting satisfaction. In all of this, the question stands before us, echoing the very first words of Jesus: “What are you seeking?” (John 1:38).

Ultimately, what I am seeking is not success, recognition, or the fleeting promises of a hyperconnected world—but Jesus Christ, who comes to us anew this Christmas season. Like Mary and Joseph, who faced fear, uncertainty, and personal struggles under the shadow of the Roman Empire, we too must bring our questions, worries, and hopes into the light of His presence, trusting that even amid chaos, God meets us where we are, offering guidance, comfort, and a quiet strength.

In a culture that prizes speed over reflection, technology over touch, and doing over being, I pray that this time at Taizé will be a space for you to encounter Christ in a new way. Let the silence speak to your heart. Let prayer, worship, and community open you to the Spirit. Listen to the stories of those around you—friends from across continents—and remember: you are not alone in your struggles, your questions, or your longing, and my prayers are with you as I write this message.

May this encounter with Christ renew your courage to live authentically, to act justly, and to reach out to others with understanding, kindness, and compassion. This Christmas season, let us remember that the One who comes to us is the child promised in Isaiah: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In a world full of uncertainty and unrest, His counsel brings clarity to our confusion and His peace, calm to our hearts. May you leave this gathering strengthened in faith, inspired by His loving and comforting presence, and ready to be a source of hope to those around you, especially to those who are hurting, so that Christ’s healing may flow through you.

With prayers for your journey and deep fraternal love.

Dear friends,

As pilgrims of peace, your task seems overwhelming, in a world that is falling apart. You may also be struggling with your own peace, looking for the necessities of life in a broken world. Things like direction, meaning, justice, silence, joy… We are encouraged again this year by your choice to gather around the One who frees us from hopeless ideologies with no real perspective. Our Lord has conquered death in all its manifestations and consequences, like lack of meaning, justice, joy… God became man, without losing His Deity – what an honour and high qualification for man! Yet He had to go this hard road to die for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, He brings us back to our basic need: unhindered fellowship with our heavenly Father, our divine home where we belong. Where we belong together!

He solved our biggest problem and then enables us to work together for a better world, also with those with whom we may not agree, while being blessed by our Lord Jesus in the areas of our own basic needs. You will be reflecting on what you are looking for, your legitimate needs, and through these days of fellowship you will be better equipped to serve this wonderful world – through Him, whom it really is you are seeking in it all.

“Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus!”

Thankful greetings,

In His Grace and grip,

It is my pleasure to send my warm greetings as the Taizé community gathers for your annual European Meeting. I have fond memories of my own time at Taizé as a student, where I found fellowship, wisdom, and hope.

You have gathered as seekers, to reflect on the shared journey toward fulfilling our deepest aspirations – both as individuals and as a global community.

The founders of the United Nations were seekers too – of equality, dignity, and above all, peace. They understood that such ideals can only be realized when we join hands across borders, communities and generations.

Today, our world faces daunting challenges including rising inequalities, raging conflict, the runaway climate crisis, and widespread violations of human rights. In the face of such adversity, it is easy to feel powerless.

Yet, as the Taizé community has shown, transformation is possible when we come together in a spirit of openness, attentive listening, and solidarity.

As you gather in Paris, may you find not only opportunities for service, but also the friendships and community that will sustain you throughout your lives.

Your presence here is a testament to the courage, commitment and compassion needed to build a more just and peaceful world.

May you discover what you seek, and may your journey inspire hope and unity for all.

Dear friends of Taizé,

What are you seeking? The question posed by Brother Matthew in his letter weighs especially at your age, as young adults. But I can tell you from experience: new versions of the same question will come back, again and again over the course of a lifetime. How can I make a difference? How do I make meaning? How do I find purpose?

This is a difficult moment to find answers. In today’s ever-changing world, the scale of the problems we face is titanic. From the war in Ukraine to the suffering in Gaza, from climate change to the rise in the cost of living – the crises seem overwhelming, the injustices immense, and the solutions hard to find. So where can we find the energy to keep striving for peace and progress?

Brother Matthew's letter called to mind a story I find deeply moving: that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian and resistance fighter in Nazi Germany. Some of the prayers and poems he wrote in prison are now part of the Taizé songs and Christian hymnals. In the final days of 1942, when Bonhoeffer already sensed that his arrest might be imminent, he wrote: "Optimism is, in its essence, not a view of the present situation but a life force, a power of hope where others would resign. (…) It may be that the Last Day dawns tomorrow; then we shall gladly lay our work for a better future aside, but not before."

What extraordinary determination and courage, to keep his eyes raised toward the horizon, even in the dark of night. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s faith carried him through the darkest times. Faith in God. But also faith in humanity. Faith in our capacity for goodness. In our indomitable spirit. In our ability to continue forward, even when the path seems hopeless.