In a world filled with distractions and temptations, Pope Leo XIV Speech recently addressed the younger generations—those in their 20s and 30s—encouraging them to reflect on the spiritual choices they make during this pivotal time of life. The Pope warned that certain sins, if not addressed early, can have a lasting impact on one’s spiritual journey, leading to moral decay and hindering a closer relationship with God. In his powerful speech, Pope Leo XIV outlined seven sins that young people must stop committing to lead a life of virtue, holiness, and purpose. Let’s explore these seven sins and how to avoid them in our 20s and 30s.
1. Pride – The Sin of Self-Exaltation
Pope Leo XIV opened his speech by emphasizing that pride is one of the most dangerous sins, especially for young people who are still figuring out their place in the world. In your 20s and 30s, it’s natural to begin asserting your independence and seeking validation. However, the Pope warned that excessive pride can lead to arrogance, self-centeredness, and a lack of humility. When you place yourself above others and believe that you are above correction, you separate yourself from the grace of God. Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to remember that true greatness comes from serving others, not from elevating oneself.
Pride can destroy relationships, stunt spiritual growth, and hinder God’s blessings. The Pope urged the faithful to practice humility, which is the antidote to pride. Recognizing that all good things come from God helps to keep pride in check.
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Bible Reference: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
2. Lust – The Sin of Impure Desires
Another critical sin that Pope Leo XIV highlighted is lust. In your 20s and 30s, the temptation of lust is particularly strong, especially in a culture that often glorifies casual relationships and impure desires. Lust is the misuse of one of God’s most sacred gifts—sexuality. The Pope warned that when individuals engage in lustful thoughts or behaviors, they turn away from the sacredness of love and intimacy as God intended it.
Lust diminishes the value of human dignity and creates emotional, spiritual, and physical harm. Pope Leo XIV urged young people to pursue chastity and to keep their hearts and minds pure. True love, according to the Pope, is selfless, sacrificial, and grounded in respect and honor for the other person.
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Bible Reference: “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
3. Greed – The Sin of Materialism
Pope Leo XIV also addressed the issue of greed. In a society obsessed with material wealth, success, and consumerism, the temptation to seek happiness in possessions and status is ever-present, especially in your 20s and 30s. The Pope warned that when you allow greed to take root, it leads to a life driven by selfish desires and an insatiable thirst for more. Greed distorts your priorities, turning things into idols and making you lose sight of the eternal truths of the faith.
The Pope emphasized that wealth is not inherently evil, but when it becomes an obsession, it replaces God as the center of your life. Pope Leo XIV called on young people to adopt a lifestyle of simplicity, generosity, and detachment, keeping their hearts open to serving others and to building God’s Kingdom.
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Bible Reference: “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
4. Envy – The Sin of Jealousy
Pope Leo XIV warned that envy, the desire to possess what others have, is a spiritual danger, particularly in an age of social media and comparison. In your 20s and 30s, when many are starting to build careers, families, and lives, it can be tempting to compare yourself to others. Envy grows when you covet the success, beauty, or possessions of those around you, leading to bitterness and discontentment.
The Pope emphasized that envy rots the soul from within, replacing joy with resentment. Instead of focusing on what others have, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to embrace gratitude for their own blessings and to celebrate the success of others. A heart full of gratitude cannot be filled with envy.
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Bible Reference: “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (Proverbs 14:30)
5. Sloth – The Sin of Spiritual Laziness
In his speech, Pope Leo XIV stressed the danger of sloth—the sin of spiritual laziness. It’s easy to become distracted in your 20s and 30s by career ambitions, relationships, and personal goals. However, neglecting your spiritual life can have devastating consequences. Sloth doesn’t just refer to physical laziness, but also to a lack of zeal for prayer, service, and growth in faith.
The Pope urged young people not to allow the busyness of life to drain their spiritual energy. Instead, they must actively seek holiness, engage in regular prayer, attend Mass, and make time for acts of charity. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that a strong relationship with God requires effort and intentionality.
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Bible Reference: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4)
6. Anger – The Sin of Uncontrolled Rage
Anger is another destructive sin that Pope Leo XIV addressed. In your 20s and 30s, you may face challenges, disappointments, and frustrations that can lead to feelings of anger or rage. Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that while anger itself is a natural emotion, uncontrolled rage and bitterness can lead to destruction in relationships and spiritual disconnect. Anger often results in rash words, decisions, and actions that can cause deep harm.
The Pope encouraged young people to practice forgiveness, patience, and self-control. Rather than letting anger control you, let the peace of Christ reign in your heart. Recognize that holding on to anger only harms your own soul.
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Bible Reference: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26)
7. Dishonesty – The Sin of Lying and Deception
Finally, Pope Leo XIV warned against dishonesty. Lying, deceit, and manipulation often seem harmless, especially in social or professional situations, but the Pope stressed that dishonesty corrodes your integrity and leads to a lack of trust with others. In your 20s and 30s, honesty is crucial, whether in relationships, work, or within the Church community.
The Pope emphasized that as Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love. A life rooted in truth reflects the character of Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to be people of integrity and authenticity, living out the truth in all aspects of their lives.
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Bible Reference: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16)
Conclusion: A Call to Holiness
Pope Leo XIV’s speech serves as a strong reminder for young people in their 20s and 30s to avoid these seven deadly sins. By doing so, we can live a life of virtue that reflects the love and teachings of Christ. The Pope emphasized that these formative years are a critical time for spiritual growth. It is essential to avoid the temptations of pride, lust, greed, envy, sloth, anger, and dishonesty, and to instead pursue holiness, peace, and integrity.
By taking responsibility for our actions and consciously choosing to walk in God’s ways, we can build a strong spiritual foundation that will guide us through the rest of our lives. Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to actively choose holiness, seeking to live out the values of the Gospel every day.