Pope Leo addressed more than a million Catholic youths during the final Mass of a week-long gathering, telling them they represent “the sign that a different world is possible,” one where dialogue replaces violence in resolving conflicts, reports Breaking News.
As he offered his final blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo paid tribute to young people from Gaza, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions who were unable to attend.
“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” Leo said. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war,” reports Breaking News.
“My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue,” reports Breaking News.
The youth attendees spent the night in vast fields southeast of Rome following a Saturday evening vigil led by Leo, who traveled to and from the Vatican via helicopter.
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According to the Vatican, more than one million youths were present, along with 7,000 priests and 450 bishops.
The Jubilee of Youth forms part of the larger Holy Year observance, which is expected to bring 32 million pilgrims to Rome for the centuries-old religious journey to the heart of Catholicism, reports Breaking News.
In his homily on Sunday, Leo called on the young pilgrims to share their joy and faith once they return to their homes in over 150 countries.
“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” Leo urged them. “Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you,” reports Breaking News.
Leo reminded attendees that they will next gather for World Youth Day, scheduled for August 3–8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.
The weeklong celebration featured spirited scenes of youth groups singing hymns through Rome’s cobbled streets, reciting rosaries in open squares, and queuing for hours at the Circus Maximus to receive confession from priests speaking multiple languages, reports Breaking News.
On Saturday, Leo also shared somber news. Two young pilgrims had died, one reportedly from cardiac arrest, and a third was hospitalized.
Though rain disrupted the night, the faithful remained in good spirits.
Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico, said: “At least we were a little covered, but we still got a bit wet. We lost our voices a little. It was cold, but we woke up to a beautiful sun and view,” reports Breaking News.
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