Thousands of young people gathered at Rome’s Circo Massimo this morning for their Jubilee Day, a key event focused on the sacrament of confession. This prepares participants for tomorrow evening’s highly anticipated vigil with Pope Leo at Tor Vergata, marking 25 years since the historic gathering led by Saint John Paul II during the 2000 Jubilee.
Today, one thousand priests speaking nine different languages are available for confessions from youth representing 146 countries. Concurrently, numerous parallel events promoting hope through interreligious dialogue and friendship are underway across churches, parishes, and venues throughout the capital.
While 200 confessionals were set up at Circo Massimo, confessions are also being heard outdoors. The atmosphere blends penitence with celebration, as many young people, identifiable by green bandanas worn on heads or necks, chant their key themes: peace, dialogue, and brotherhood.