Pope Leo XIV presided over a massive gathering of young people in Rome, drawing a crowd of over one million Catholics from around the world. The event marked the culmination of a week-long pilgrimage that began three months into Leo’s papacy.
During his homily, the pope encouraged the gathered youth to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith” to everyone they meet. He also spoke out against war, saying, “We are with the young people of Gaza… We are with the young people of Ukraine… My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible.”
The event featured music from a choir, hundreds of bishops and priests, and a towering cross dominating the stage. Thousands of pilgrims camped out in tents or sleeping bags before Sunday’s mass.
Organisers described it as “Catholic Woodstock,” with hundreds of thousands attending on Saturday night. Roads leading to the venue were packed, making Leo’s choice of helicopter transport more efficient.
The youth pilgrimage was 25 years in the making, inspired by Pope John Paul II’s similar event in Rome in 1998. The Vatican announced plans for the gathering just before Leo’s papacy began three months ago.
A record crowd has gathered to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth, a celebration of faith and unity among young people from across the globe.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/02/pope-leo-xiv-gets-rock-star-welcome-from-young-catholics-at-huge-vigil