Pope Leo XIV addressed a large crowd of young people during the Jubilee for Youth in Rome, urging them to seek an encounter with Christ. The Jubilee for Youth drew a million young people to Rome from around the world. The Pope's ability to connect with crowds was tested during the week's events. The Pope's actions included surprising young people at the opening Mass of the youth Jubilee.
4 months ago
Pope Leo XIV embraced a prominent public role during the recent Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers and the Jubilee for Youth in Rome, effectively addressing prior questions about his capacity to connect with large crowds 1. The week-long Jubilee for Youth culminated in a Mass that drew a million young people from around the world 1. A significant moment occurred at the opening Mass, where the Pope surprised an estimated 120,000 attendees by riding the popemobile and delivering an unscripted, multilingual address in English, Spanish, and Italian, a rare departure from his usual reliance on prepared texts 1.
Throughout the Jubilee, Pope Leo XIV delivered several core messages to the young pilgrims. He urged them to seek an encounter with the Risen Christ, emphasizing that true happiness transcends material consumption and is found in uniting with God and others through charity 1. He encouraged the youth to cultivate genuine friendships, boldly pursue their vocations, and develop a personal relationship with Christ 1. The Pope also cautioned against the potential for the internet and social media to be misleading when driven by commercial interests that fragment relationships 1.
Pope Leo XIV extended his solidarity to young people suffering from conflict, specifically mentioning those in Gaza and Ukraine, and emphasized that youth are a sign of a possible world built on fraternity and dialogue rather than weapons 1. He called upon the pilgrims to carry the joy and enthusiasm of the Jubilee to others, sharing a message of hope with young people worldwide 1.
The Pope's ability to seamlessly switch between English, Spanish, and Italian was a notable aspect of his engagement, contrasting with Pope Francis, who typically spoke in one language 1. His physical presence was also remarked upon; he walked down the central aisle and a lengthy staircase with the pilgrims' cross, a display of vigor that stood in contrast to the later years of Pope Francis's pontificate 1. Pilgrims expressed a sense of courage and comfort from the event, feeling a strong connection to the Pope and their fellow attendees 1. Many attendees, particularly from Peru, celebrated Pope Leo XIV's election, recalling his popularity and helpfulness as Bishop Prevost in Chiclayo 1.
What is the Church's teaching on encountering Christ?
The Catholic Church teaches that encountering Christ is central to the Christian life and occurs in various profound ways within the Church. This encounter is not merely abstract but takes place in specific times and places .
The Church is intimately united with Christ, forming His Body . Believers become members of Christ's Body and are united with Him, especially through the sacraments . This union is so profound that, through Baptism, the faithful are radically configured to Christ in His Paschal Mystery, becoming "one with Christ" and members of His Body . The Church itself is in Christ, and Christ is in the Church, continuing His saving work through the gift of the Holy Spirit .
1. Sacred Scripture: Christ is present in Sacred Scripture, which speaks of Him throughout . Reading the Gospels and listening to Jesus' words can lead to authentic conversion of heart . Sacred Scripture, when read in light of Tradition, the Fathers, and the Magisterium, and understood through meditation and prayer, is a primary place of encounter with Christ .
2. The Sacred Liturgy and Sacraments: The sacred Liturgy is a significant place of encounter with Jesus . Every liturgical action, particularly the Eucharist and the other sacraments, is an encounter between Christ and the Church .
3. The Community: Christ is present in the community of believers, by virtue of His promise: "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20) . The liturgical assembly derives its unity from the "communion of the Holy Spirit," who gathers the children of God into the one Body of Christ, transcending all human affinities .
4. The Celebrant: Christ is present in the celebrant who renews the one and only Sacrifice of the Cross at the altar .
5. Through Disciples: Jesus is also present in the world through His disciples who, by their fidelity to the commandment of love, worship God and testify to the fraternal love that marks them as followers of the Lord . Following Christ is not merely an outward imitation but touches the depths of one's being, conforming the disciple to the Lord through the active presence of the Holy Spirit .
The Church's teaching emphasizes that encountering Christ is a dynamic and multifaceted reality, deeply embedded in the life and practices of the Church. It is through Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, especially the Eucharist and Baptism, the community of believers, and the actions of His disciples that Christ continues to be present, alive, and at work, leading to conversion, renewed communion, and strengthened faith , .