Pope Leo XIV told about a million young people at a prayer vigil in Buenos Aires Tuesday that they should not kneel to false idols.

During the meeting with young people at the Monumento a los Españoles, the pope urged them not to be deceived by the new idols of the modern world.

“Even today, idols are erected that demand our worship: success at any cost, money, an obsession with physical appearance, a craving for popularity, or the unbridled pursuit of pleasure.” The pope noted that, in an effort to gain the approval of others, one might resort to lying, betrayal, or humiliating someone on social media.

“Envy can prevent us from rejoicing in the good fortune of others, and selfishness can lead us to treat people as objects.

“There are even those who profit by offering pleasures that ultimately enslave us—such as pornography or various substances.” Leo issued a call to the young people: “You are called to stand tall in the face of the idols of our time.

Do not kneel before things that cannot give you life! And if you have ever fallen, get back up! Do not let anything or anyone take away the freedom that God has given you.”