Pope Leo XIV holds a Mass with young people participating in the Youths Jubilee at the Tor Vergata field in Rome, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025.
Andrew Medichini/AP
ROME — More than a million Catholic youths gathered Sunday for a closing Mass, where Pope Leo XIV declared them “the sign that a different world is possible.” He envisioned a future where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, not weaponry.
The pontiff’s message of peace resonated with young Catholics from around the globe.
- Pope Leo XIV addressed over a million young Catholics in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth.
- He emphasized dialogue over weapons and remembered youth affected by war in Gaza and Ukraine.
- The event is part of a Holy Year expected to draw 32 million visitors.
- Two pilgrims died, and one was hospitalized during the week’s events.
- The next World Youth Day is scheduled for Seoul, South Korea, in 2027.
A message of hope amid global conflict
During his closing blessing, Pope Leo XIV extended thoughts to young people in Gaza, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions who couldn’t attend. “We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” he stated. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war.”
The Pope urged the attendees, “My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue.”
Young people wake up after spending the night at the Tor Vergata field in Rome as they participate in the Youths Jubilee, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025.
Andrew Medichini/AP
A week of faith and fellowship
The young pilgrims had camped out after a Saturday vigil service. The Jubilee of Youth is a significant part of the ongoing Holy Year, which anticipates 32 million visitors to the Vatican. Vatican officials reported over 1 million young attendees, supported by 7,000 priests and 450 bishops.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to share their “enthusiasm and the witness of your faith” upon returning home. He urged them to “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are.”
The next major gathering, World Youth Day, is scheduled for Aug. 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.
The week was filled with joyous activities, including hymns, prayer, and confession in multiple languages at the Circus Maximus. However, the event was marked by tragedy as well: two young pilgrims died, one from apparent cardiac arrest, and a third was hospitalized.
Rain overnight did little to dampen spirits. “At least we were a little covered, but we still got a bit wet. We lost our voices a little. It was cold, but we woke up to a beautiful sun and view,” said Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico. “Despite the difficulties, it was very nice and very special to have been part of this historic moment.”
Sister Giulia De Luca, from Rome, shared, “waking up was a bit tough,” but she looked forward to concluding the intense week. “Definitely a lot of fun, but also very challenging in many ways,” she added.
