The Tor Vergata esplanade in Rome is preparing to host the Jubilee of Youth. The event will include a vigil and Mass with Pope Leo XIV. The Jubilee of Youth will take place from July 28 to August 3. Thousands of young people are expected to camp at the site.
about 1 month ago
Rome is currently hosting the Jubilee of Youth, a week-long celebration from July 28 to August 3, 2025, culminating in a vigil and Mass with Pope Leo XIV at the historic Tor Vergata esplanade 1. This event marks a significant moment for the papacy, drawing an estimated half-million to one million young people from 146 countries to Rome 1 2.
The current Jubilee of Youth intentionally echoes the World Youth Day (WYD) held at Tor Vergata in 2000, where St. John Paul II captivated 2 million young people despite his physical weakness 1. That event transformed Tor Vergata into an "open-air sanctuary," where John Paul II delivered powerful messages, including "If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!" 1. He emphasized that young people seek Jesus when they dream of happiness, transforming WYD into a vocational and missionary journey 1. Pope Leo XIV's stage at Tor Vergata is deliberately placed in the same location as his predecessor's, symbolizing continuity in the Church's message to youth 1.
The Jubilee of Youth is seen as Pope Leo XIV's first major opportunity to define his papacy and establish a signature moment, similar to Pope Francis's "Todos, todos, todos" or John Paul II's "Do not be afraid" 2. While Leo XIV has been characterized as a "meek pope" with a preference for structured remarks, his recent interactions during the Jubilee have shown moments of warmth and spontaneity 2.
On July 29, Pope Leo XIV made a surprise popemobile appearance at the end of the Jubilee's welcome Mass in St. Peter's Square, thrilling an estimated 120,000 young Catholics 3 4 5. He toured the square for 20 minutes, beaming and waving, and delivered an impromptu address in English, Spanish, and Italian 4 5 8. He proclaimed that the youth are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world," urging them to be "messages of hope" that the world needs 3 4 5 8. The crowd responded with chants of "We want peace in the world!" 3 4 8.
During his general audience on July 30, Pope Leo XIV again addressed the hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims, lamenting the current climate of violence, hatred, and digital "bulimia" that "deeply wounds human dignity" 7. He emphasized that the world needs healing and urged young people to communicate with honesty and prudence, avoiding words that wound others 7. He also expressed sorrow for the recent attack on Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo and called for safeguarding the "spirit of Helsinki" through dialogue and diplomacy 7.
The organization of the Jubilee of Youth has involved a monumental logistical and technological effort, including 355 giant tents, 179 audio and video towers, 2,000 speakers, and extensive infrastructure for security and connectivity 1. Despite the world's profound changes since 2000, including digital loneliness, forgotten wars, and climate crises, the core message of the Jubilee remains consistent: a renewed "missionary mandate" for young people to "go against the flow" and embrace their desire for God 1. The event aims to provide a high-level spiritual and community experience, inviting young people to a transformative encounter with the successor of Peter 1.
What is the Church's call to youth for evangelization?
The Church calls young people to be courageous missionaries and evangelizers, proclaiming Jesus Christ through their lives and words . This mission is not limited by borders or social circles; it extends to everyone, including those on the fringes of society and those who seem indifferent .
Young people are called to be witnesses of the Gospel by the way they live . Their contemporaries should observe their lives and wonder about the source of their inspiration and joy, prompting them to "Come and see" . Being an apostle means embodying the truth of the Gospel and being transformed in Christ, rather than merely speaking about it .
While witness through life is crucial, it does not negate the importance of speaking about Jesus . Young people are encouraged to share how Jesus gives them strength, how they enjoy talking with Him, and how they benefit from meditating on His words . They should not be ashamed of the Gospel, but rather proclaim it with courage and fidelity, even "from the rooftops" . This proclamation should extend to friends and other young people who may not be actively involved in the Church .
The mission of evangelization is urgent, with a sense of "Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel" . This task is entrusted to the current generation of young people, who are called to make Christ better known and loved . The Church needs their energy, enthusiasm, and youthful ideals to integrate the Gospel into society, transforming hearts and social structures to foster a civilization of justice and love .
Young people are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and engage with the modern "metropolis," inviting everyone to God's banquet . They are to bring Christ into every area of life, including their neighborhoods, schools, sports, social activities, volunteer work, and workplaces . The Lord relies on their courage, boldness, and enthusiasm to spread His light and hope .
All baptized individuals, including young people, are called to incarnate Christ's life, share His sentiments, and trust in the Father's will, giving themselves generously to His saving plan . This includes striving for holiness in family life, priesthood, or consecrated life, if called . The mission also involves promoting justice, defending human rights and dignity, and working for the integral liberation of people from anything that hinders their development . Young people are seen as artisans of history and evangelization, tasked with transmitting the precious legacy of human and Christian values to future generations .