Some 70,000 people gathered for the Jubilee of Youth prayer vigil on Saturday evening near Rome. He inspired a diverse gathering of more than 800,000 young people on pilgrimage from 146 nations. Attendance at the event — a highlight of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee holy year — was limited to about 500,000. It was an auspicious occasion for the patronage of Leo XIV, who had assumed the papacy just three months before. His dramatic arrival by helicopter also aptly illustrated the anticipation not only over his arrival, but over his arrival as pope.
The Jubilee of Youth, which took place 25 years after a similar gathering led by Pope John Paul II, drew an enthusiastic response from the young faithful. The military helicopter that hovered above the sprawling site of the vigil in Tor Vergata. Pilgrims spilled onto the tarmac in spontaneous jubilation, receiving their leader with an enthusiasm usually reserved for a rock star.
Pope Leo XIV spoke to the group later that night, reiterating the need for solidarity among today’s youth. He stated,
“Dear young people, after walking, praying and sharing these days of grace of the Jubilee dedicated to you, we now gather together in the light of the advancing evening to keep vigil together.”
The event was as much a spiritual gathering as it was an opportunity for cultural expression. If the costumes weren’t enough, throughout the day, almost 24 musical and dance troupes engaged participants, blending religious themes with energetic performance. The atmosphere fostered a deep sense of solidarity among the pilgrims. Most of them were thrilled to express their jubilation at being included in such a monumental event.
Participants such as Julie Mortier found themselves thinking about what the occasion meant. She remarked,
“We’re too happy to be here. Seeing the pope, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Additionally, Andy Hewellyn, a speaker who voiced what many felt in the audience, expressed it best, saying just that–
“The main thing is that we’re all together.”
With such an important event, the logistics of organizing a massive occasion needed detailed planning and security in spades. 4,300+ volunteers and 1,000+ police officers worked around the clock to keep everyone safe. This extraordinary commitment gave participants the space to drop deeper into their common journey without the anxiety of possible interruption.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni greeted Pope Leo XIV in a colorful and dynamic video manifesto. She reflected on the essential role of young people’s engagement in the life of the Church. The prime minister’s acknowledgment of the pope’s presence reinforced the event’s significance not only within religious circles but in the broader Italian society.
The Jubilee of Youth was a festive expression of faith. It showcased the unique and enduring bond that exists between the Church and her young people. Many attendees were clearly inspired by popes past. Pope Francis, especially, made an indelible impression on his 2016 visit to Krakow, striking a chord with the thousands of pilgrims that Quentin Remaury was one of.
When the sun finally set over Tor Vergata, it was an unanticipated presence that brought light to the gathering—Pope Leo XIV. The passion and energy of each young person at the event was a testament to their dedication to their faith and their community. This event was the beginning of a long, contentious episode in Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. Through social media, he meets a faith-hungry generation that can’t wait to know their new spiritual shepherd.