Pope Leo XIV addressed over a million Catholic youths during a closing Mass for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, emphasizing their role as a beacon of hope for a world where conflicts can be resolved through dialogue instead of violence. In his remarks, he expressed solidarity with young people suffering in war-torn regions like Gaza and Ukraine, reminding attendees of their shared humanity. Leo encouraged the youth to carry their enthusiasm and faith back to their communities in 150 countries, urging them to strive for greatness and holiness.
The celebration drew more than 1 million youths, alongside 7,000 priests and 450 bishops, as part of a Holy Year pilgrimage to the Vatican. Participants camped out and engaged in various spiritual activities, such as singing hymns and confessing sins, all underscored by a sense of joy despite challenging conditions, including rain.
Tragically, the event was marked by the deaths of two young pilgrims, which cast a shadow over the otherwise festive gathering. Yet, attendees expressed gratitude for the experience, highlighting the beauty of the moment. The Pope announced that their next encounter would be for World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, set for August 2027, inspiring participants to continue their mission of faith and community engagement.
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Pope Leo XIV tells 1 million Catholic youths that they are ‘the sign a different world is possible’