In one of the largest youth gatherings in recent Church history, more than one million young Catholics from across the globe descended on Rome from July 28 to August 3 for the Jubilee of Youth, a highlight of the Church’s Jubilee of Hope year.
Aug 15, 2025
VATICAN: In one of the largest youth gatherings in recent Church history, more than one million young Catholics from across the globe descended on Rome from July 28 to August 3 for the Jubilee of Youth, a highlight of the Church’s Jubilee of Hope year. The week-long event concluded with a vigil and Mass at Tor Vergata, where Pope Leo XIV called on youth to embrace holiness, the Eucharist, and a deeper relationship with Christ.
From lively catechesis sessions and sacramental encounters to spontaneous moments of joy and awe — including a rainbow appearing in a rainless sky — the gathering left a profound spiritual imprint on the city and the world.
The Jubilee began with young pilgrims from over 130 nations pouring into the Eternal City, eager to rediscover the richness of their faith. On Aug 1, the Circus Maximus, once a site of early Christian martyrdom, was converted into an open-air confessional with over 200 priests hearing thousands of confessions throughout the day.
But it was Aug 2 that marked the emotional climax. Pope Leo XIV arrived by helicopter at Tor Vergata to preside over an evening vigil attended by a record-breaking crowd — the largest of his pontificate to date. From the popemobile, the 69-year-old pontiff made his way through waves of cheering youth before carrying the Jubilee of Hope pilgrim cross up to the massive stage.
His energetic ascent — despite the sweltering heat — quickly went viral, earning captions like “The stairmaster of holiness” and “Imagine Pope Leo as your workout buddy.”
That night, under the Roman sky, more than a million young people knelt in deep silence for Eucharistic adoration. “Rest a bit,” the Pope encouraged them as the vigil concluded. “We have a date tomorrow morning here for holy Mass.”
On the morning of Aug 3, Pope Leo returned to Tor Vergata to celebrate the closing Mass. Youth filled the 237-acre grounds, waving flags, cheering, and even tossing gifts and shirts toward the popemobile as the pope made his way to the altar.
“Good morning!” he said in six languages, inviting them to prepare for “the greatest celebration that Christ left us: his very presence in the Eucharist.”
In a powerful homily, the Pope spoke of a deep, universal thirst for truth and meaning.
“There is a burning question in our hearts,” he said. “What is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? What can free us from being trapped in meaninglessness, boredom, and mediocrity?”
The answer, he said, lies not in consumption or self-centredness, but in communion with God and others. “Buying, hoarding, and consuming are not enough,” he told them. “We need to lift our eyes to the things that are above.”
Quoting St Augustine, the Pope reminded youth that God is not distant: “The Lord is gently knocking at the window of your soul.” He urged them to open their hearts and “set out on this adventure with Him toward eternity.”
Echoing St John Paul II, who addressed youth at the same location in 2000, Pope Leo proclaimed, “Jesus is our hope. He is the One who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives — to make the world more human and more fraternal.”
He urged them to remain close to Christ through prayer, adoration, frequent confession, and charity — pointing to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be canonised, as models of youthful holiness.
“As you return home,” the Pope concluded, “continue to walk joyfully in the footsteps of the Saviour. Spread your faith with enthusiasm. Aspire to great things. Aspire to holiness.”
The Jubilee of Youth leaves behind not just memories but a mission. With hearts stirred and eyes lifted toward eternity, a new generation goes forth — awakened, renewed, and ready to build a future rooted in hope, truth, and Christ.– Agencies