Hundreds of thousands of young Catholics gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, a highlight of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year. Pope Leo XIV presided over the evening vigil and morning Mass, marking his first major interaction with the younger generation of Catholics. Young people from around the world participated in the Jubilee celebration, which included music, prayer, and confession. The event took place at the Tor Vergata field on the outskirts of Rome, with temperatures reaching nearly 30C (85F). The Jubilee of Youth is part of the larger Holy Year, with an expected 32 million visitors to Rome.
4 months ago
The 2025 Jubilee of Youth, a major event within the Vatican's Holy Year, drew over one million young Catholics from 146 different countries to Rome from July 28 to August 3, 2025 2 3. This gathering, centered around the Tor Vergata field, marked Pope Leo XIV's first significant encounter with the next generation of Catholics 1. The event was hailed as the largest in Rome in the last 25 years, surpassing even the funerals of previous popes 2.
The Jubilee culminated in an evening vigil on August 2 and a morning Mass on August 3, both presided over by Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata 1. The Holy Father arrived by helicopter for the vigil and later drove through the grounds on the popemobile, greeting the enthusiastic crowd 3. A viral video captured Pope Leo briskly carrying the pilgrim cross of the Jubilee of Hope onto the stage, inspiring many 3. The vigil concluded with a moving Eucharistic adoration led by the Pope, who then advised the young people camping overnight to rest before the morning Mass 3.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the closing Mass with 450 bishops and 7,000 priests 2. In his homily, he quoted Pope Francis and Saint John Paul II, emphasizing that "Jesus is our hope" 2 3. He also referenced Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two Blesseds popular among youth whom he will canonize on September 7 2. During the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV remembered the young people of Ukraine and Gaza 2.
The event strongly evoked the spirit of World Youth Day, particularly the 2000 festival inaugurated by Pope John Paul II at the very same Tor Vergata field 1 3. Many attendees of the 2000 event noted the striking similarities, with some now watching their children participate in this Jubilee 3. The success of the Jubilee was the result of two years of preparation involving 20,000 people 2. Despite temperatures nearing 30C (85F), misting trucks and water cannons helped keep participants cool, and the mood remained festive 1.
Young pilgrims engaged in a variety of activities throughout the week, including praying the rosary, singing hymns, attending Christian rock concerts, and listening to inspirational talks 1. A significant highlight was the open-air confessional at Circus Maximus, where 1,000 priests heard 28,000 confessions 1 2 3. Bishop Robert Barron delivered a keynote address at the U.S. National Pilgrim Gathering, urging youth to follow God and noting the enduring nature of the Catholic Church compared to ancient Roman power 3. A notable moment occurred during Pope Leo's arrival at Tor Vergata when a rainbow appeared in the sky despite no rain, interpreted by some as a divine sign 3.
The massive influx of pilgrims caused some inconvenience for Romans, particularly concerning public transport, leading to crowded subways and bus stops 1. However, many Romans expressed tolerance and welcomed the enthusiasm brought by the young people, viewing it as a positive "invasion" that affirmed the vitality of faith 1. Medical teams assisted 1,200 people, primarily for heat-related issues, fevers, and anxiety 2. Tragically, two young pilgrims, Pascale Rafic from Egypt and Maria Cobo Vergara from Spain, died during the Jubilee 1 2. Pope Leo XIV met with Pascale Rafic's group to extend his condolences 1.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV invited all present to attend the next World Youth Day, scheduled to take place in Seoul, Korea, from August 3-8, 2027 2 3.
What is the Church's role in youth evangelization?
The Church plays a crucial role in youth evangelization by proclaiming Jesus Christ and His Gospel as the unique and satisfying response to the deepest aspirations of young people . This involves a multifaceted approach that seeks to engage young people, support their growth, and integrate them into the life of the Church and society.
The Church's primary mission in youth evangelization is to present Jesus Christ in a way that is relevant, attractive, and convincing to the younger generation . This proclamation is not merely about conveying information but about fostering a personal and life-giving encounter with Jesus Christ within a loving, nourishing community . The Gospel is presented as a message that brings freedom, transforms lives, and makes them more beautiful .
Youth evangelization aims to help young people grow "in wisdom, age and grace before God and people" (Lk 2:52) . This growth involves several key aspects:
The Church recognizes that young people face anxieties, deceptions, and temptations . Therefore, it strives to create supportive environments:
The Church seeks to engage in mutual dialogue with youth, fostering cordiality, clarity, and courage, which enriches both generations . This involves:
In essence, the Church's role in youth evangelization is to go out as a "fisher" of humanity, saving young people from destructive influences through an encounter with Christ, and empowering them to live out their Christian identity and mission in the world , .