Pope Leo XIV addressed a crowd of approximately 1 million young adults in Rome. The Pope encouraged the youth to study, work, and love following the example of Jesus. The event took place at the University of Rome Tor Vergata on August 2, 2025. The Pope's address included a call to prayer: "Stay with us, Lord."
4 months ago
Pope Leo XIV addressed an estimated 1 million young adults at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, marking the largest gathering of his pontificate 1, 2. The event was part of the Jubilee of Youth, held from July 28 to August 3, which is the most-attended event of the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope 1, 2. Young people and their chaperones from 146 countries flocked to Rome for the vigil and to anticipate the closing Mass 1, 2.
Arriving by helicopter, Pope Leo XIV drove through the 237-acre grounds in his popemobile before carrying the pilgrim cross on foot to the stage for prayers and Eucharistic adoration 1, 2. During the prayer service, the pontiff engaged with the youth by answering questions on topics such as friendship, loneliness, making good choices, and encountering Christ, speaking fluently in Spanish, Italian, and English 1, 2. He encouraged them to "study, work, and love according to the example of Jesus" and to pray, "Stay with us, Lord," emphasizing that without Christ, they cannot achieve the good they desire 1, 2.
Pope Leo's advice to the young attendees included having Jesus as a friend for conscience formation and encountering the risen Lord by listening to the Gospel 1, 2. He also urged them to reflect on their way of living, seek justice to build a more humane world, serve the poor, and adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, which he described as the source of eternal life 1, 2. Attendees praised the Pope's responses as "poignant and so relevant," noting his deep understanding of the youth 1, 2.
The atmosphere at Tor Vergata was described as joyous and reverent, with attendees singing hymns and worship music 1, 2. Many compared the event to World Youth Day, noting the immense scale and profound sense of community, with one French pilgrim describing it as feeling like "a huge family" where "the heart of the Church [is] beating" 1, 2. The crowd chanted "Papa Leone" (Pope Leo in Italian) after Eucharistic adoration 1, 2.
During his address, Pope Leo XIV also requested prayers for two female pilgrims who died during the week: Maria, a 20-year-old from Spain, and Pascale Rafic, an 18-year-old from Egypt 1, 2. He also asked for prayers for Ignazio Gonzales, another Spanish pilgrim hospitalized in Rome 1, 2.
How does the Church guide youth in faith?
The Church guides youth in faith through a multifaceted approach that emphasizes spiritual formation, community involvement, and practical application of Christian values in daily life. This guidance is provided through various channels, including catechesis, sacramental life, pastoral care, and the witness of adults and peers .
A primary way the Church guides youth is through comprehensive spiritual formation and catechesis. This involves teaching the core tenets of the Catholic faith and helping young people understand its relevance to their lives .
The sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, are central to the Church's guidance of youth, providing grace and strength for their spiritual journey .
The Church provides various structures and opportunities for young people to grow in faith within a supportive community .
The Church emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships and the promotion of sound human and moral values in the formation of youth .
In summary, the Church's guidance for youth in faith is a holistic endeavor that combines robust doctrinal teaching with vibrant sacramental life, supportive community environments, and the consistent witness of believers, all aimed at fostering a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ and equipping young people to live out their faith authentically in the world .