30-07-2025
120,000 pilgrims gather for Jubilee of the Youth Welcome Mass in Rome
The Jubilee of the Youth, the largest event of the Jubilee Year 2025, officially opened Wednesday with a Welcome Mass at St. Peter's Square, drawing a crowd of some 120,000 young pilgrims from around the world.
Presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Mass marked the beginning of a five-day celebration of faith, culture, and community in the heart of Rome. Pilgrims from 146 countries, including a large number from the Philippines, joined together in prayer and song under the hot Roman sun.
In a surprise gesture that electrified the crowd, Pope Leo XIV made an unscheduled appearance at the end of the Mass. Riding in the papal jeep, he greeted the cheering pilgrims as he made a joyful loop around the square, waving and blessing the young faithful from every corner of the globe.
Photo by: Pia Gonzalez Abucay
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Pope Leo XIV invited the youth to be living testimonies of peace and bearers of the light of Jesus Christ. "You are the salt of the world! You are the light of the world!"
Photo by: Pia Gonzalez Abucay
His message served as a powerful call for young people to become agents of hope and unity in a world facing uncertainty and division.
Photo by: Pia Gonzalez Abucay
The Jubilee of the Youth will continue with a series of cultural, artistic, and spiritual events throughout the city. Highlights include reconciliation services at the Circo Massimo on August 1, where over 1,000 priests will hear confessions in multiple languages, and the much-anticipated Prayer Vigil at Tor Vergata on Saturday, August 2.
During the vigil, three young people will pose questions to Pope Leo XIV on the themes of friendship, courage, and spirituality.
The celebration will conclude on Sunday, August 3, with a Solemn Mass at Tor Vergata, to be presided over by Pope Leo XIV. Attendance is expected to exceed one million, making this a truly historic moment for the global Catholic youth community.
— VDV, GMA Integrated News
