This year’s theme grows from the words of Jesus: “Take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In a world marked by uncertainty, anxiety, distraction, and constant pressure, courage is often mistaken for confidence, noise, or control. But the Gospel reveals another kind of courage: one born from communion with Christ. This is the invitation of Pope Leo XVI to young people The Encounter Festival 2026 invites participants to discover that true courage is formed interiorly. It grows through prayer, silence, trust, and deeper awareness of God’s presence. This is the courage to face fear honestly, to remain rooted in hope, and to live faithfully in the ordinary realities of life.