In a message sent to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Pope Leo XIV sends greetings to the 70th Los Angeles Religious Education Congress taking place in Anaheim in the US state of California and reiterates that “deepening your relationship with Jesus and being faithful and joyful disciples” makes religious education teachers authentic and effective.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
“By deepening your relationship with Jesus, who is the Truth, and continuing to be faithful and joyful disciples in your daily lives, your authenticity as educators and catechetical leaders will enable you to transmit the Gospel in such a way that it leads to a true encounter with the Lord and contributes to building up a lasting and life-giving culture…”
Pope Leo XIV expressed this in a message sent to the Archbishop of Los Angeles, José H. Gomez, on the occasion of the 70th Religious Education Congress taking place in Anaheim, California, February 19–22, 2026. The annual four-day Catholic gathering, which, this year, has the theme ‘Wrapped in Mercy, Hope Renewed,’ is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Office of Religious Education.
The Congress draws thousands of faithful, educators, and ministry leaders from around the U.S. and beyond to deepen their faith through workshops, liturgies, exhibits, keynote talks and spiritual celebrations. It began with a Youth Day for young people on Feb. 19 and adult programming continues through Feb. 22.
Opportunity for true spiritual renewal
In the text sent on the Holy Father’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope sent his cordial greetings and expressed his hope that these days of prayer, formation and fellowship, “provide an opportunity for true spiritual renewal.”
The Holy Father applauded their awareness as men and women dedicated to the task of religious education, that “the authentic teacher arouses the desire for truth.”
Jesus offers comfort and strength
The Pope also encouraged the young people present “to open their hearts to the love of God.” Love, he reminded, not only led Jesus to give Himself for us on the Cross, but also to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament.
“In this regard,” the Holy Father prayed that their experience at the Conference will help them “to discover Jesus’ Eucharistic presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength in all of life’s circumstances.”
Pope Leo concluded by entrusting all Congress participants to the maternal intercession of Mary, Our Lady of the Angels, and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.
