Pope Leo XIV encourages the youth to construct a more compassionate world in a vast gathering during the Jubilee celebrations
In the heart of Rome, the Tor Vergata esplanade became a bustling hub of faith and camaraderie as Pope Leo XIV presided over the Jubilee of the Young from July 28 to August 3, 2025. The event, which attracted hundreds of thousands of young people, was a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of placing Jesus Christ at the centre of one's life.
The long day was enlivened with performances, including the dance of Spanish Sergio Bernal and the voices of the Hakuna group. But the main event was the Pope's address, where he emphasised several key messages and actions focused on faith, hope, and living a Christ-centred life.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to "study, work, and love according to the example of Jesus," and to maintain a close relationship with Him through prayer. He reminded them that Jesus is their hope, inspiring them to do something great with their lives, to improve themselves and society, and to make the world more fraternal and humane.
The Pope urged youth to stay united with Jesus through friendship, cultivated by prayer, Eucharistic adoration, frequent confession, and charity. He highlighted the importance of freedom, vocation, and friendship with Jesus Christ in helping them to find courage and clarity for life choices through faith.
Pope Leo XIV led a procession with dozens of young people, taking the Jubilee cross in his own hands. He led the mass at 9.30 local time, putting the final touch to this Jubilee of the Young. After the mass, the pilgrims spent the night camping on the esplanade.
Unfortunately, the week was marred by the deaths of two young people - Spanish Maria Cobo, who passed away before reaching Rome, and Pascala Rafic, who died from a heart failure while traveling by bus to the parish of Artena. The Pope lamented their losses and urged the young people to reflect on their way of life and seek justice to build a more human world.
Spain contributed one of the most numerous groups with some 27,000 participants. Waves of pilgrims, displaying the flags of their countries, have flooded Rome throughout the week. The restored 'Vela' of Santiago Calatrava stood on the esplanade, awaiting a mass to be officiated by Leo XIV the following morning.
A wide logistical device was prepared at Tor Vergata, including giant screens, audio and video towers, and a monumental arch of the Jubilee of the year 2000. Pope Leo XIV traveled to the event by helicopter and toured the area aboard the popemobile, greeting and blessing the young people present.
As the Jubilee of the Young comes to a close, the message of faith, friendship, and hope remains a beacon for young people around the world. The week served as a reminder that by placing Jesus Christ at the centre of their lives, young people can truly change the world and build a more fraternal and humane society.
- Despite the tragic incidents, the spirit of unity and Jesus-centered lifestyle among the young people remained prominent during the Jubilee of the Young, showcasing their dedication to self-improvement and the betterment of society.
- With various performances and engaging events, the Jubilee also delved into aspects of modern pop-culture, merging faith-based messages with trends in fashion-and-beauty and entertainment, providing avenues for influential figures, such as celebrities, to inspire positive changes.
- In the wake of the Jubilee, many reflections will be made on average lifestyles and values, as people ponder the Pope's call to action, aiming to create a world where the teachings of Jesus foster closer friendships, fostering a more fraternal and humane civilization.
