The Vatican’s World Youth Day festival, dubbed the “Catholic Woodstock,” brought together thousands of young Catholics from around the world to celebrate their faith through music, prayer, and social media influencers. The event, which has become a regular occurrence every two or three years, saw Pope Leo XIV arrive by helicopter on Saturday evening for a vigil of prayer and readings.
The festival’s organizers aimed to engage with the youth through various means, including social media. Influencers like Italian TikTok star Nicola Campo were invited to promote their faith online, meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. The event also included concerts, seminars, and prayers in churches and basilicas.
According to studies, young people are becoming increasingly skeptical of traditional religious institutions, citing issues such as moral stance on contraception and gay marriage, as well as the clerical abuse scandal. However, Reverend José María Díaz-Dorronsoro noted that many young people are searching for spiritual answers, but may not be turning to a traditional religion.
The Vatican’s recognition of the importance of social media influencers in reaching young people is evident, with events like the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers. The Church has also run an official account on social media for Pope Leo XIV, as well as plans to canonize Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old who became a saint after his death.
The festival’s turnout was lower than expected this year, with around 500,000 attendees compared to four million in 1995. Nevertheless, participants like Katie Prejean McGrady, Vanessa Garlepp, and Brett Robinson expressed enthusiasm for the event, citing its unity and energy as reasons for hope.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/world/europe/rome-youth-catholics-pope.html