Speaking in Kinshasa, the country's capital, Mgr Nicolas Djomo of Tshumbe said: "Do not allow false trappings of wealth lure you to move out of your Countries in search of non-existent jobs in Europe and America".
He stressed that young people should remain in their home countries to build a better continent, according to Agenzia Fides.
Mgr Nicolas Djomo, also the President of the Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo, warned young people to: "Be vigilant of the deceptions of the new forms of the destruction of the culture of life, moral, and spiritual values.
"Use your talents and other resources to renew and transform our continent and for the promotion of lasting justice, peace, and reconciliation in Africa.
"You are a treasure for Africa.
"The Church relies on you, your continent needs you."
He was speaking at the Pan-African Catholic Youth and Children Congress which was attended by delegates from a range of countries in Africa, including Ghana, South Africa and Egypt.
Fr Joseph Komakoma, the Director of Communications of SECAM mirrored this view, saying "the youth are the most important sector of the African population on whom the Church ought to count on, as a priority, in the scope of Church's evangelisation's efforts such as the promotion of justice, peace, reconciliation, and socio-economic development of our continent."
