Pope Leo XIV Concludes Jubilee of Young People in Rome
On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Pope Leo XIV concluded the Jubilee of Young People in Rome by presiding over a Holy Mass at Tor Vergata. This event capped off a week-long celebration that drew over a million young Catholics from 146 countries. The gathering was a significant event for the Vatican and marked one of the largest public assemblies of Pope Leo's papacy, which began three months prior.
Key details from the event include:
Location: The closing Mass and an overnight vigil were held at the sprawling field of Tor Vergata on the outskirts of Rome, a site that also hosted World Youth Day in 2000. Pope Leo XIV arrived by helicopter to a crowd that had camped out overnight.
Homily and Message: In his homily, Pope Leo challenged the young people to "Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less." He encouraged them to be a "sign that a different world is possible" and to "spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet" when they return home. He also spoke about the importance of hope and making "radical choices for good."
Angelus Prayer: During the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo expressed his solidarity with young people affected by war, specifically mentioning those in Gaza and Ukraine. He stated, "We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils which are caused by other human beings."
Significance: The event was a major highlight of the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, which is expected to attract 32 million pilgrims to the Vatican. The week was a massive undertaking for Rome, with an estimated half a million young pilgrims in the city for much of the week. The festive atmosphere was likened to a "Catholic Woodstock" by Italian media.
Pilgrim Experience: Throughout the week, pilgrims participated in various activities, including prayer vigils, Masses, and confession. The young people were a visible presence across Rome, seen in color-coordinated T-shirts, singing hymns, and celebrating their faith.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
