Pope Leone XIV called upon over a million young pilgrims gathered at Rome’s Tor Vergata esplanade for the Youth Jubilee’s climax to “seek justice and renew lifestyles to build a more humane world.” The Pontiff emphasized the critical need for “witnesses of justice and peace,” declaring, “How greatly our future requires men and women who testify to hope!” He highlighted cross-cultural friendships among attendees as a transformative force: “This can change the world and pave the path to peace.”
Addressing youth immersed in social media, Leone XIV urged passionate pursuit of truth while rejecting online falsehoods and ambiguity. He further challenged them to embrace radical, meaningful life choices—specifically marriage, holy orders, and religious consecration—as expressions of “freely given, liberating self-donation that brings true happiness.”
The celebrations were marred by tragedy as two pilgrims—Spain’s María and Egypt’s Pascale—died during the event. The Pope led prayers for them and a hospitalized Spanish youth.
Before his address, the Pope energized the crowd by touring the esplanade in the popemobile, then proceeding on foot while carrying the Jubilee Cross alongside 200 youth—including war refugees and volunteers who facilitated the massive gathering. Born in the U.S. and having lived in Peru, Pope Leone delivered multilingual remarks in Italian, English, and Spanish.
Earlier, meeting artists set to perform, he reflected: “Sharing in this mission as Bishop of Rome is a privilege and blessing—fueled by our shared faith, enthusiasm, and heartfelt joy.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined the event, welcoming youth from conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine. Recalling the 1995 World Youth Day, she rallied attendees: “Millions of morning sentinels heralded the new millennium then. Now, Rome must hear that roar again!”
Throughout the day, songs and dances alternated across the esplanade before evening prayers with the Pope. Rigorous security included helicopter surveillance and checkpoints. Despite milder-than-expected heat, approximately 50 attendees required medical attention for fainting.
Organizers confirmed over 800,000 attendees before the Pope’s arrival, with total participation expected to exceed one million. Pilgrims will remain overnight in sleeping bags and tents, awaiting Pope Leone’s closing Mass on Sunday—the Holy Year’s most attended event.
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