Half-million young Catholics await Pope Leo XIV at Holy Year youth festival
ROME — Hundreds of thousands of young Catholics gathered in a vast field on the outskirts of Rome for a special event during the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year. The highlight of the weekend was an evening vigil, outdoor sleepover, and morning Mass led by Pope Leo XIV, marking his first major interaction with the next generation of Catholics.
The youth, coming from various parts of the world, have been participating in the Jubilee celebration around St. Peter’s Square. Dressed in color-coordinated t-shirts, they have been engaging in prayer, hymns, and other religious activities throughout the week.
The atmosphere has been festive, with young Catholics enjoying Christian rock concerts, inspirational talks, and confession sessions with priests from different countries. The culmination of the Jubilee celebration took place at the Tor Vergata field, where the youth camped out for the night.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, joined the young pilgrims for the vigil and a question-and-answer session. The event had similarities to World Youth Day, a festival initiated by St. John Paul II in 2000 at the same location.
The turnout exceeded expectations, with hundreds of thousands of participants present. Despite some logistical challenges, such as long wait times for meals, the young Catholics embraced the experience with enthusiasm.
The event was not without tragedy, as one participant passed away during the pilgrimage. However, the overall spirit remained positive, with participants expressing their faith and joy through various activities.
The presence of the youth brought a sense of energy and hope to Rome, with locals appreciating the festival of faith that unfolded in their city. Despite some inconveniences, such as overcrowded public transport, the general sentiment was one of admiration for the young pilgrims.
The event showcased the enduring strength of faith and the unity of the Catholic community, reaffirming the importance of religious gatherings in fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth.
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This article is supported by the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is responsible for the content of this piece.
