Pope Leo XIV presided over a final mass in Rome on March 3, 2024, attended by over one million young people. This event marked the conclusion of the “Jubilee of Youth,” a significant pilgrimage that attracted Catholics from around the globe. During his address, Pope Leo encouraged the youth to “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.”
The week-long celebration, part of the Jubilee holy year, was a monumental endeavor for the Vatican. Organizers noted that approximately 800,000 pilgrims gathered on Saturday night for a vigil, and by Sunday, the Vatican reported that the turnout had surged to one million. Many participants camped overnight at the venue, equipped with tents, sleeping bags, and mats, eagerly awaiting the mass.
Among the attendees was Christofer Delano from New York, who expressed his joy at seeing the pope amidst the vast crowd. “I didn’t expect to see all these people,” he remarked. “I knew there was going to be a lot of people—I didn’t know it was going to be this many.”
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a former missionary, urged the attendees to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet.” He emphasized the Vatican’s commitment to highlighting the plight of young people from war-torn regions, stating, “We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils which are caused by other human beings.”
The pope’s Angelus prayer resonated with many as he expressed solidarity with youth affected by conflict. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war,” he declared. The pontiff’s message of hope underscored the theme of fraternity and dialogue over conflict, aiming to inspire a generation seeking peace.
The event was vibrant and lively, featuring music from a choir and the participation of around 450 bishops and 700 priests, all dressed in green robes. A large cross was prominently displayed under a massive golden arch at the stage where the pope led the mass. Italian pilgrim Tommaso Benedetti remarked on the pope’s ability to connect with young people, saying, “We feel quite satisfied. There were many references to peace, which is a theme that is very close to our hearts as young people.”
The young pilgrims, who represented 146 different countries, filled the streets of Rome throughout the week, chanting, singing, and waving flags. The atmosphere reached a crescendo on Saturday during the vigil, which Italian broadcaster Rai likened to a Catholic “Woodstock.” Hundreds of thousands camped out at the venue, enjoying music and camaraderie as they awaited the pope’s arrival.
Pope Leo XIV was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause upon his arrival by helicopter and as he toured the grounds in his popemobile. Roads leading to the Tor Vergata venue, approximately a 40-minute drive from central Rome, were congested, making the helicopter an efficient choice for transportation. Spanning over 500,000 square meters (125 acres), the site was equivalent to about 70 football fields.
British student Andy Hewellyn, who sat in front of a large video screen, expressed his happiness despite being far from the stage. “I’m so happy to be here, even if I’m a bit far from the pope. The main thing is that we’re all together,” he said.
This pilgrimage followed the recent start of Pope Leo’s papacy and commemorated the 25th anniversary of the last youth gathering organized by Pope John Paul II in Rome. The event was initially announced by Pope Francis during World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023. Throughout the week, the Church organized various activities for the young pilgrims, including transforming the historic Circus Maximus into an open-air confessional.
The Jubilee of Youth has not only rejuvenated the Church’s engagement with younger generations but has also reinforced the message of hope and peace amidst challenging global circumstances.
