On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV passionately encouraged hundreds of thousands of young followers to have the courage to make radical choices for good during a vigil service for the Jubilee of Youth at Tor Vergata field on the outskirts of Rome. This event marked the highlight of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year, attracting pilgrims from over 150 countries, who camped overnight in preparation for the significant gathering amidst temperatures soaring to 30°C (85°F).
In his address to the youthful audience, Pope Leo display his command of Spanish, Italian, and English to speak on the perils of social media, the importance of genuine friendships, and the bravery needed to make life-altering commitments like marriage or religious vows. "Friendship can really change the world. Friendship is a path to peace," he emphasized, calling for "missionaries of the Gospel who are witnesses of justice and peace."
However, the Holy Father shared troubling news with the crowd, reporting that two young pilgrims had tragically died, one of which was due to cardiac arrest, and a third had been hospitalized. This announcement cast a somber shadow over the otherwise celebratory event. Pope Leo was scheduled to return to Tor Vergata field for an early morning Mass on Sunday to conclude the festivities.
Celebrations had been ongoing in Rome for the prior week, with young Catholics participating in prayer sessions and vibrant activities, promoting a spirit of faith and unity in the lead-up to the Jubilee. The crowds filled the cobblestoned streets wearing color-coordinated T-shirts, playing music, and offering prayers, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Catholic Woodstock. The event echoed the World Youth Day celebration initiated by St. John Paul II in 2000, where he addressed an estimated 2 million attendees at the same venue, inspiring them as "sentinels of the morning" at the start of the third millennium.
Initially, organizers estimated 500,000 young people would join the celebrations, but the actual numbers were anticipated to exceed 1 million, although the Vatican did not provide final figures. This overwhelming turnout highlighted the significant interest and dedication among the youth towards their faith.
Despite the logistical challenges that the influx of pilgrims posed—such as limited public transportation and longer wait times at dining establishments—participants like Chloe Jobbour from Lebanon expressed acceptance of these inconveniences, viewing them as a part of the immersive experience of spiritual growth. The local community, while experiencing some disruptions, generally received the young visitors positively. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the gathering, calling it an “extraordinary festival of faith, joy, and hope.”
Locals, such as Rome hairdresser Rina Verdone, who lived near the event location, noted the joy and vibrant energy the pilgrims brought, despite the logistical challenges. As she prepared for potential detours in her routine due to the “positive invasion” of youths in her neighborhood, she embraced the spirit of unity and enthusiasm that marked the Jubilee celebration.
The 2025 Jubilee of Youth in Rome, amplified by Pope Leo XIV's inspiring words and the enthusiastic engagement of the pilgrims, served not only as a religious gathering but also as a meaningful experience of community, faith, and commitment among the younger generation of Catholics.
