logo
One million youth One energetic Pope

One million youth One energetic Pope

In one of the largest youth gatherings in recent Church history, more than one million young Catholics from across the globe descended on Rome from July 28 to August 3 for the Jubilee of Youth, a highlight of the Church's Jubilee of Hope year. Aug 15, 2025
VATICAN: In one of the largest youth gatherings in recent Church history, more than one million young Catholics from across the globe descended on Rome from July 28 to August 3 for the Jubilee of Youth, a highlight of the Church's Jubilee of Hope year. The week-long event concluded with a vigil and Mass at Tor Vergata, where Pope Leo XIV called on youth to embrace holiness, the Eucharist, and a deeper relationship with Christ. From lively catechesis sessions and sacramental encounters to spontaneous moments of joy and awe — including a rainbow appearing in a rainless sky — the gathering left a profound spiritual imprint on the city and the world. The Jubilee began with young pilgrims from over 130 nations pouring into the Eternal City, eager to rediscover the richness of their faith. On Aug 1, the Circus Maximus, once a site of early Christian martyrdom, was converted into an open-air confessional with over 200 priests hearing thousands of confessions throughout the day. But it was Aug 2 that marked the emotional climax. Pope Leo XIV arrived by helicopter at Tor Vergata to preside over an evening vigil attended by a record-breaking crowd — the largest of his pontificate to date. From the popemobile, the 69-year-old pontiff made his way through waves of cheering youth before carrying the Jubilee of Hope pilgrim cross up to the massive stage. His energetic ascent — despite the sweltering heat — quickly went viral, earning captions like 'The stairmaster of holiness' and 'Imagine Pope Leo as your workout buddy.' That night, under the Roman sky, more than a million young people knelt in deep silence for Eucharistic adoration. 'Rest a bit,' the Pope encouraged them as the vigil concluded. 'We have a date tomorrow morning here for holy Mass.' On the morning of Aug 3, Pope Leo returned to Tor Vergata to celebrate the closing Mass. Youth filled the 237-acre grounds, waving flags, cheering, and even tossing gifts and shirts toward the popemobile as the pope made his way to the altar. 'Good morning!' he said in six languages, inviting them to prepare for 'the greatest celebration that Christ left us: his very presence in the Eucharist.' In a powerful homily, the Pope spoke of a deep, universal thirst for truth and meaning. 'There is a burning question in our hearts,' he said. 'What is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? What can free us from being trapped in meaninglessness, boredom, and mediocrity?' The answer, he said, lies not in consumption or self-centredness, but in communion with God and others. 'Buying, hoarding, and consuming are not enough,' he told them. 'We need to lift our eyes to the things that are above.' Quoting St Augustine, the Pope reminded youth that God is not distant: 'The Lord is gently knocking at the window of your soul.' He urged them to open their hearts and 'set out on this adventure with Him toward eternity.' Echoing St John Paul II, who addressed youth at the same location in 2000, Pope Leo proclaimed, 'Jesus is our hope. He is the One who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives — to make the world more human and more fraternal.' He urged them to remain close to Christ through prayer, adoration, frequent confession, and charity — pointing to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be canonised, as models of youthful holiness. 'As you return home,' the Pope concluded, 'continue to walk joyfully in the footsteps of the Saviour. Spread your faith with enthusiasm. Aspire to great things. Aspire to holiness.'
The Jubilee of Youth leaves behind not just memories but a mission. With hearts stirred and eyes lifted toward eternity, a new generation goes forth — awakened, renewed, and ready to build a future rooted in hope, truth, and Christ.-- Agencies
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Patriarch Pizzaballa: Blood of every innocent in Gaza and the world is not forgotten
Patriarch Pizzaballa: Blood of every innocent in Gaza and the world is not forgotten

Herald Malaysia

time12 minutes ago

  • Herald Malaysia

Patriarch Pizzaballa: Blood of every innocent in Gaza and the world is not forgotten

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, celebrates Mass on the feast of the Assumption at the Benedictine monastery of Abu Gosh, saying the Christian's task is to sow life while remaining under God's protective mantle so that evil does not have the final word. Aug 16, 2025 Cardinal Pizzaballa delivering homily on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Antonella PalermoThe pain of our times, observed Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, "does not allow us to make sugar-coated and abstract, and therefore unconvincing, speeches about peace, nor to limit ourselves to yet more analysis or denunciations. Rather," he insists, "we are called to stand as believers within this drama, which is not likely to end anytime soon." In his homily during the Mass celebrated at the Benedictine Abbey of Abu Gosh on the Solemnity of the Assumption, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem offered a meditation on a passage from the Book of Revelation — a text that, he said, has accompanied the Christian community and been a source of reflection many times 'throughout these months filled with pain.' Aware that evil will continue to operate in the world Cardinal Pizzaballa realistically shared what emerges today from reading the text, focusing especially on the power of Satan, depicted as the dragon — "who will never stop asserting himself and unleashing fury upon the world, particularly against 'those who keep God's commandments and hold fast the testimony of Jesus.'" "We would all like evil to be defeated as soon as possible," he admitted, "to disappear from our lives. But that's not how it is. We know this, but we must always learn anew to live with the painful awareness that the power of evil will continue to be present in the life of the world — and in ours." "With our human strength alone, we cannot defeat the enormous power of that dragon. It is a mystery — as harsh and difficult as it may be — that belongs to our earthly reality. This is not resignation. On the contrary," he clarified, "it is an awareness of the dynamics of life in the world — without fleeing in any way, but also without fear, without endorsing them, yet without hiding them either." In the Holy Land, the greatest manifestation of Satan? Still, the Cardinal highlighted, in light of today's Solemnity, that 'the dragon cannot prevail over the seed of life, which is the fruit of love.' He points out that in the Bible, the desert is not a place of absence but a place where God provides. "In our current experience — so hard and difficult — God continues to provide for us, first of all by warning us of the strength of evil, of worldly power, which in this land and in this time seems truly to prevail." Cardinal Pizzaballa is very clear when he stated, "We must not deceive ourselves." Even the end of the war, he warned, will not mark the end of the hostilities and pain it will leave behind. "From many hearts, a desire for vengeance and anger will continue to emerge. The evil that seems to govern the hearts of many will not stop its activity — it will remain constantly at work, and I would even say, creative. For a long time still, we will have to deal with the consequences of this war in people's lives." 'It seems that this Holy Land of ours — which guards the greatest revelation and manifestation of God — is also the place of the greatest manifestation of the power of Satan. And perhaps precisely because it is the place that holds the heart of the history of salvation, it has also become the place where the 'Ancient Adversary' seeks to impose himself more than anywhere else.' Few, unaligned, "troublesome" — but we will be God's refuge Faced with a context of death and destruction, the Patriarch encouraged trust, a renewed covenant with those who desire and sow good, and the creation of spaces for healing and life. Bitterly aware that evil will continue to express itself, Cardinal Pizzaballa invites believers to be places of life, so that the dragon will not have the final word. 'We will not, therefore, be the center of the world's life. We will not follow the logic that guides much of the lives of the powerful. We will probably be few, but always different, never aligned — and perhaps for this reason, even bothersome. We will still be the place where God provides — a refuge protected by God. Or better yet, we are called to become that refuge for those who want to guard the seed of life in all its forms.' The blood of the innocent is not forgotten Continuing the biblical metaphor, the Cardinal expressed conviction that the dragon will eventually fall, but that for now, we must endure — and that the blood of the innocent, not only in the Holy Land and in Gaza but anywhere in the world, 'is not forgotten.' That blood 'is not thrown away in some corner of history,' he said. It flows beneath the altar, 'mingled with the blood of the Lamb, sharing in the work of redemption to which we are all joined. That is where we must remain. That is our place — our refuge in the desert.' Christian life, he concluded, overturns the criteria of the world. He recalls the witness of Saint Frances of Rome, who was hindered by Satan in her desire to live for God but who, in the end, fulfilled God's work. 'This is how God works with everyone," the Cardinal noted, saying, "He enters, and He overturns.' Thus, the Cardinal entrusted everyone to the Blessed Mother, suggesting we must look to the mystery of the Assumption of Mary as a foretaste of eternal redemption.--Vatican News

Pope Leo: Mary's song, the Magnificat, strengthens our hope
Pope Leo: Mary's song, the Magnificat, strengthens our hope

Herald Malaysia

time12 minutes ago

  • Herald Malaysia

Pope Leo: Mary's song, the Magnificat, strengthens our hope

During Mass in Castel Gandolfo for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV marvels how Mary's 'yes' gives hope to us today, saying we celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Jesus, which changed the course of history. Aug 16, 2025 Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo (@Vatican Media) By Deborah Castellano Lubov "Mary's song, Magnificat , strengthens the hope of the humble, the hungry, the faithful servants of God." Pope Leo XIV gave this reminder during the Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo on 15 August 2025. The Holy Father began his homily by observing that although today is not Sunday, "we celebrate in another way the Paschal Mystery of Jesus, which changed the course of history." "In Mary of Nazareth," he continued, "we recognize our own history: the history of the Church, immersed in the common lot of humanity. By taking flesh in her, the God of life and of freedom has conquered death." The Pope recalled that on this Solemnity we contemplate how God overcomes death, yet never without us. "His is the Kingdom, but," he explained, "ours is the 'yes' to his love that can change everything." On the Cross, the Pope said, Jesus freely uttered that 'yes' which would strip death of its power—the death that still spreads wherever our hands crucify and our hearts remain imprisoned by fear and mistrust. On the Cross, trust prevailed; so did love, which sees what is yet to come; and forgiveness triumphed. That 'yes' still lives The Pope recalled to those present in the parish that Mary was there by the Cross united with her Son. "In our day, we are like Mary whenever we do not flee, whenever we make Jesus' 'yes' our own. "That 'yes,'" Pope Leo marveled, "still lives and resists death in the martyrs of our time, in witnesses of faith and justice, of gentleness and peace. Thus this day of joy becomes also a day that calls us to choose—how and for whom we shall live." The Pope went on to remember how we listened to the Gospel passage on the Visitation, in which Saint Luke recorded "a decisive moment" in Mary's vocation. Magnificat As "we celebrate the crowning moment of her life," Pope Leo said, "It is beautiful to recall that day." While he observed that "every human story, even that of the Mother of God, is brief on this earth and comes to an end," he went on to reflect, "Yet nothing is lost. When a life ends, its uniqueness shines even more clearly." The Pope explained that Mary's Magnificat radiated the light of all her days, and that the surprising fruitfulness of barren Elizabeth confirmed Mary in her trust, for "it anticipated the fruitfulness of her 'yes,' which extends to the fruitfulness of the Church and of all humanity whenever God's renewing Word is welcomed." God breaks through our despair Reflecting on Friday's Solemnity, the Holy Father highlighted that the Resurrection enters our world even today. "The words and choices of death may seem to prevail, but the life of God breaks through our despair through concrete experiences of fraternity and new gestures of solidarity," and "prior to being our final destiny, the Resurrection transforms—in soul and body—our dwelling on earth." Hence, the Pope reflected, "Mary's song, Magnificat , strengthens the hope of the humble, the hungry, the faithful servants of God." God's Word continues to be brought to light Pope Leo reassured that despite something seeming impossible, God's Word continues to be brought to light. "When bonds are born, with which we confront evil with good and death with life," he said, "we see that 'nothing will be impossible with God' ( Lk 1:37)." Pope Leo recalls poor and persecuted Christian communities The Pope warned against when self-reliance prevails and consciences are dulled. "Instead of letting the old world pass away, one clings to it still, seeking the help of the rich and powerful, which often comes with contempt for the poor and lowly." However, Pope Leo acknowledged, the Church lives in her fragile members, and she is renewed by their Magnificat . "Even in our own day, the poor and persecuted Christian communities, the witnesses of tenderness and forgiveness in places of conflict, and the peacemakers and bridge-builders in a broken world, are the joy of the Church," he reaffirmed, saying, "They are her enduring fruitfulness, the first fruits of the Kingdom to come." Let us be converted by their witness Recalling that many of them, like the elderly Elizabeth and the young Mary, are women, "Paschal women, apostles of the Resurrection," Pope Leo implored, "Let us be converted by their witness!" Addressing the faithful, Pope Leo stressed that "when in this life we 'choose life,' "we are right to see in Mary, assumed into heaven, our own destiny." "She," the Pope continued, "is given to us as the sign that the Resurrection of Jesus was no isolated event, no mere exception." Mary: wondrous union of grace and freedom Mary, the Pope said, is that wondrous union of grace and freedom, which urges each of us to have trust, courage, and participation in the life of God's people," especially as she says, 'He who is mighty has done great things for me' ( Lk 1:49). With this in mind, Pope Leo said, "may each of us know this joy and proclaim it with a new song. Let us not be afraid to choose life!" Even if "it may seem risky and imprudent. Many voices whisper: 'Why bother? Let it go. Think of your own interests,' he said; such suggestions are "voices of death," and we instead "are disciples of Christ." "It is His love that drives us—soul and body—in our time." Pope Leo concluded by stressing that only when we, as individuals and as the Church, no longer live for ourselves, life spreads and life can prevail.--Vatican News

Pope calls Oblates to follow the example of St Francesca Romana
Pope calls Oblates to follow the example of St Francesca Romana

Herald Malaysia

time12 minutes ago

  • Herald Malaysia

Pope calls Oblates to follow the example of St Francesca Romana

In a message to the Oblates of St Francesca Romana on the sixth centenary of her solemn oblation, Pope Leo XIV recalls their foundress' zeal for evangelization, her docility to the angels and devotion to the saints, and her commitment to the unity of the Church. Aug 16, 2025 The Oblation of Santa Francesca Romana By Christopher WellsPope Leo XIV remembered Saint Francesca Romana on the 600th anniversary of her solemn oblation, in which the 'exemplary wife and mother' consecrated herself 'to God and to dedicated service to those afflicted by the human and spiritual poverty of the time.' In a message to the Oblates founded by Saint Francesca, the Holy Father expressed his pleasure at being able to join with them in prayer, noting how they entrust themselves and their desires to God for the building up of 'His kingdom of light and peace.' Quoting his predecessor, Pope Eugene IV, Pope Leo said, 'Our society needs women' like Saint Francesca: women who are 'passionate about the Gospel and … 'fired by God's zeal, eager to serve the Most High in a spirit of humility and, as far as their fragility allows, to imitate the apostolic life to win themselves for Christ and live in community and charity.'' Similarly, he continued, quoting St John Paul II, the world needs 'souls who 'encouraged and strengthened by grace, while delicately sensitive to the needs and inclinations of today's society, are able to make choices of profound evangelical radicalism [...] characterized by austere discipline, joyful renunciation, and generous oblation.'' Pope Leo went on to highlight three aspects of St Francesca's holiness: 'the zeal with which she devoted herself to bringing Christ into the world;' 'her docility to the guidance of the angels…combined with devotion to her patron saints;' and 'her commitment to the unity of the Church.' The Oblates' monastery of Tor de' Specchi, 'in the heart of Rome' continues the work of Saint Francesca, the Pope said. Recognizing the many devotees of Saint Francesca who have visited the monastery over the centuries, Pope Leo said, 'Even today, in such a frenetic and opulent society, there is a great need for oases like this.' He invited the Oblates to 'rekindle their charism,' ensuring them that the Holy Spirit would assist them in continuing their mission 'for the good of the Church.' And he encouraged them to 'feel united with the Church that looks to you with special love,' before concluding his message by entrusting them to the intercession of Mary and the saints, and assuring them of his Apostolic Blessing.--Vatican News

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store