Pope Leo XIV Celebrated by Hundreds of Thousands at Jubilee of Youth Vigil in Rome

A Rock Star Welcome for the Pope

On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV made a dramatic entrance to the Jubilee of Youth prayer vigil in Rome, arriving by helicopter to a raucous welcome from hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims. The event, held on the eastern outskirts of the city, drew an estimated 800,000 to 1 million attendees from 146 countries, all eager to celebrate their faith and connect with the Pope.

Emotional Atmosphere as Pilgrims Gather

As the white military helicopter descended, the crowd erupted in cheers and tears of joy. Many young people rushed to catch a glimpse of the first U.S. Pope, who waved from his popemobile, radiating warmth and enthusiasm. The day had been filled with music, prayer, and camaraderie, culminating in a moment of collective excitement when an announcement declared, “The pope is here.”

A Moment of Reflection

The atmosphere shifted to one of solemnity as Pope Leo XIV took the stage, carrying a large wooden cross. “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,” he addressed the crowd, emphasizing the significance of their gathering.

Among the attendees was 18-year-old Julie Mortier from France, whose voice was hoarse from singing. “We’re too happy to be here. Seeing the pope, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she expressed, echoing the sentiments of many in the crowd.

A Night Under the Stars

Most pilgrims planned to camp overnight, anticipating a Sunday morning mass led by the Pope, which would mark the culmination of the week-long youth pilgrimage. The venue, sprawling over 500,000 square meters—equivalent to about 70 football fields—was filled with young people eager to share this unique experience.

British student Andy Hewellyn, despite being far from the stage, shared his joy: “I’m so happy to be here, even if I’m a bit far from the pope. The main thing is that we’re all together.” The event was likened to a Catholic “Woodstock,” featuring nearly two dozen musical and dance performances throughout the day.

A Message from the Italian Prime Minister

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the pilgrims in a video message, celebrating their spirit of prayer and joy. The Jubilee of Youth, which began earlier in the week, marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s Jubilee holy year, occurring 25 years after the last major youth gathering in Rome under Pope John Paul II.

Pilgrimage Amid Global Challenges

The pilgrimage comes at a time when many young people face economic uncertainty, climate change, and international conflicts. Some attendees traveled from war-torn regions, including Syria and Ukraine, seeking solace and community. Samarei Semos, a 29-year-old from Belize, expressed her hope that the Pope would address issues affecting developing nations.

A Tragic Loss

Before the vigil, the Pope met with the family of an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who tragically passed away from a heart attack. The young woman had been returning to her lodging after an event in Rome, highlighting the emotional weight of the gathering.

Security and Organization

With tight security measures in place, over 4,300 volunteers and more than 1,000 police officers ensured the safety of the event. Organizers reported that attendance numbers continued to rise throughout the vigil, reflecting the overwhelming enthusiasm and commitment of the young faithful.

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In summary, the Jubilee of Youth prayer vigil was not just an event; it was a powerful gathering of faith, hope, and community. Pope Leo XIV’s presence resonated deeply with the youth, reminding them of their shared values and the importance of unity in challenging times. This gathering serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Catholic Church and its ability to inspire the next generation.