Swarm of jellyfish targets regional figure Raja Kecil Besar Perak during open-sea event at Teluk Senangin, affecting numerous participants.
Pope Leo XIV Leads Jubilee of Youth in Rome
Thousands of young Catholics from around the world have gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, a week-long pilgrimage culminating in an evening prayer vigil led by Pope Leo XIV. The event, which is taking place at the Vatican, is expected to draw up to a million people, making it one of the largest gatherings of young Catholics in history.
The Jubilee of Youth, open to Catholics aged 18 to 35, is part of a series of Church-planned activities throughout the city. More than 146 countries are represented at the event, with young people speaking to priests in 10 different languages. Numerous groups of young people are preparing to set off for the venue, where an unprecedented mass was held by Pope Leo for Catholic social media influencers.
Approximately 200 white gazebos are lined up in the hippodrome, providing a space for prayer vigils, Eucharistic adoration, music, and communal worship. The Vatican expects up to a million people to attend the vigil, and Rome authorities have tightened security due to the influx of people.
Pope Leo's message to the young Catholics during the Jubilee events at the University of Rome Tor Vergata emphasised spiritual growth, vocation, and living a life modeled on Christ’s love and example. In a lively Q&A, he addressed youth concerns about making meaningful life choices, highlighting faith, friendship, and hope as guiding principles.
Many young participants are curious about the Church's position on global warming, wars, and economic inequalities. To cater to this interest, over 4,300 volunteers and more than 1,000 police are working the event to ensure a smooth and informative experience for all.
Samarei Semos, a 29-year-old from Belize, traveled three days to Rome for the event. He was inspired by the late Pope Francis's message to youth during a 2016 visit to Krakow, Poland. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, began his papacy nearly three months ago and has been praised by young Catholics from war-scarred countries, with their voices being heard at the event.
The Jubilee of Youth is a significant spiritual encounter for young Catholics, providing an opportunity for them to come together, pray, and learn from one another. It is a testament to the Church's commitment to engaging with the youth and fostering a deeper understanding of faith, work, and love according to the example of Jesus Christ.
- Despite the ongoing Jubilee of Youth in Rome, the news of climate change and economic inequalities continue to be discussed among the young participants, demonstrating their concern for global issues.
- Amidst the general news of car-accidents and sports, the climate currently in focus is not that of the weather but rather the future of our planet, a topic brought to light by the youth during the Jubilee events.
- As the Jubilee of Youth concludes, general-news outlets may shift their attention from events in Rome to issues like wars and climate change, representing the shifting priorities and concerns of the young generation.
