News · Peter Amaane
Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana urges West African youth to embrace peace,not hatred
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré has advised West African youth not to allow themselves to be used as instrument for destruction and hatred. Speaking at the closing mass for the 2026 West Africa Youth Days held in Accra-Ghana Archbishop Kaboré warned that rebels target, and recruit young people to exploit their energy, and creativity for their criminal activities.
Held under the theme " Take Courage; Catholic Youth As Actors And Agent Of Peace And Hope In West Africa" the 2026 West Africa Youth Days drew thousands of pilgrims from across sixteen West Africa nations including Nigeria, Liberia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo and Mali.
Organized by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa, RECOWA the five-day event sought to foster peace and stability in the sub-region and deepen the faith of the youth in Christ.
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana Archbishop Julien Kaboré expressed worry over rapid spread of insurgencies in West Africa.
He noted that decades-long conflicts, terrorism, extremism, ethnic tension and political divisions have bedevilled the sub-region, claimed lives and retarded development.
Archbishop Kaboré stated that West Africa comprises people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and urged the youth not to let their diversity make them enemies.
He advised the youth to become agents of peace by emulating Saint Francis of Assisi.
"This year we celebrate 800 years of St Francis of Assisi and it is good to remember his message which is still fresh. Francis of Assisi is supposed to have prayed saying lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is discord unity, where there is despair hope, where there is darkness light. This is what it means to become agents of peace, builders of peace. Peace begins when someone decides to break the chain of hatred, to forgive rather to retaliate, to listen rather than condemn, to bring people together rather than drive them apart" he stated.
Describing the consequences of insurgencies, he recalled the 2001 September 11 terrorist attacks that took many lives and destroyed many properties in the USA.
"Perhaps many of you, perhaps were not yet born in 2001. You know that today 11th September the world remembers with great sadness the attacks of 11th September 2001 and that tragedy reminds us how much violence can destroy, how urgently our world needs men and women who choose another path, the path of peace. And therefore again, young people let us be builders and agents of peace."Archbishop Kaboré noted.
Addressing the youth online Pope Leo XIV urged the youth not to throw their hands up in despair but keep their hope alive in times of uncertainty and insecurity.
Pope Leo expressed optimism that through the pilgrimage the youth will grow in faith, and unite to bring about positive impact to their societies.
" I am convinced that this powerful moment spent together will help you to grow in faith and become evermore deeply and rich by values such as an encounter and openess to others. At a time when so many crisis seem to darken your horizons, I wish to encourage you to move forward without losing hope. I know doubts, uncertainty and insecurity can unsettle your plans for the future. One of the challenges you face is walking together to bring positive change in your societies. Walking together means ensuring that no one is marginalized, isolated, excluded or rejected. Be builders of bridges between peoples, cultures, and religions." Pope Leo XIV said.
The 2026 West Africa Youth Days culminated in the transmission of the Cross and the Marian Icon to the President of RECOWA-CERAO, Bishop Alexis Touably Youlo of the Diocese of San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire.
The pilgrims have returned to their respective countries with renewed faith and hope in Jesus Christ.