UPDATE: Over 500,000 young Catholics have converged on Rome for an unprecedented weekend of faith and celebration, awaiting Pope Leo XIV at the Holy Year youth festival. The event highlights an evening vigil, a massive outdoor slumber party, and a morning Mass, marking Leo’s first major encounter with the next generation of the Church.
The atmosphere is electric as crowds of young pilgrims, representing nations from around the globe, gather at the Tor Vergata field, located on the eastern outskirts of Rome. Many have traveled five kilometers (three miles) from the nearest subway station, enduring long lines and security checks to participate in this historic gathering. The Vatican anticipates this weekend’s festivities could draw even more than the expected 1 million attendees.
Participants have transformed the area surrounding St. Peter’s Square into a vibrant hub of faith. Dressed in color-coordinated t-shirts, they have engaged in prayer, singing, and lively Christian rock concerts. Some have even taken to the streets to confess their sins to over 1,000 priests fluent in multiple languages.
On the evening of July 15, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will arrive by helicopter to preside over the vigil and engage in a question-and-answer session with the youth. The excitement builds as he plans to return to the Vatican for the night before leading a Mass in his popemobile on Sunday morning.
The event is reminiscent of the World Youth Day established by St. John Paul II, which attracted 2 million participants in 2000 at the same site. Chloe Jobbour, a 19-year-old Lebanese Catholic, shared her thoughts on the experience: “It’s a bit messed up, but this is what is nice about the Jubilee… It’s all part of the experience.”
Tragically, the Vatican has confirmed the death of Pascale Rafic, an 18-year-old from Egypt who passed away during the pilgrimage. Pope Leo XIV met with her travel group, extending condolences to her family.
The weather has been favorable, with temperatures remaining below 30°C (85°F), much to the relief of attendees and organizers. However, local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the influx. Many have been inconvenienced by the increased crowds affecting public transport. Premier Giorgia Meloni welcomed the youth, calling it an “extraordinary festival of faith, joy, and hope.”
Despite the challenges, Romans like hairdresser Rina Verdone find joy in the vibrant energy of the event. “You think the faith, the religion is in difficulty, but this is proof that it’s not so,” she remarked, acknowledging the positive spirit of the young pilgrims.
As preparations continue for the vigil, participants are eager to engage in this transformative experience. The world watches as the future of the Catholic Church gathers in unity, ready to celebrate faith in a monumental way. The culmination of this event promises to be a momentous occasion, with many eager to share their experiences across social media platforms.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.