Over a Million Young People Gather for the Jubilee Mass in Tor Vergata
More than one million people participated this Sunday in the Closing Mass of the Jubilee of Young held in the area of Tor Vergata on the outskirts of Rome, as reported by the Vatican. This event marked the most significant gathering of the pontificate to date and highlighted the culmination of the Holy Year dedicated to youth.
Pope Leo XIV closed the jubilee with a passionate call for young people to “aspire to big things,” asserting that “another world is possible.” The pontiff expressed his solidarity with the youth of Gaza and Ukraine, reminding attendees of their role in shaping a better future.
In his homily, the Pope encouraged young people to pursue greatness and holiness. “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not aim lower,” he urged from the expansive stage, emphasizing the importance of extending our horizons beyond mere consumerism: “Buy, accumulate, consume is not enough. We need to raise our eyes.” His speech, a mix of Italian, English, and Spanish, resonated deeply with the diverse audience.
The Vatican released a statement confirming that “the authorities estimate that in the area of Tor Vergata and the bordering areas there are more than one million people.” This estimate was backed by Lamberto Giannini, the Government delegate in Rome, who stated, “It is a more than credible fact because all the areas of Tor Vergata, as seen from the air, are completely full and can contain that number of people.”
The Mass concluded a week of festivities that attracted young Catholics from 146 countries. On Saturday evening, Pope Leo XIV held a prayer vigil, culminating the event with a grand Eucharistic celebration on Sunday.
As the young pilgrims camped overnight, many slept in sleeping bags or makeshift tents, eagerly anticipating the closing ceremony. Despite calm temperatures at night, a sudden light rain in the morning caught many off guard, leading them to create improvised shelters.
“We brought little, but we found some friends who helped us and gave us a place to sleep. The rain woke us up,” said José, a pilgrim from Honduras.
The Pope arrived by helicopter at 7:40 AM local time, touring the camp in his papamóvil while greeting participants amidst lively songs and cheers. The large stage was adorned with a gold arch and a monumental cross, surrounded by 450 bishops and nearly 700 priests, according to Vatican statistics.
The organization of the event required intricate logistics over two years. As part of the preparations, the Tor Vergata area was revitalized, the same location where Pope John Paul II presided over a historic World Youth Day in 2000.
Among the renovation efforts, significant was the rehabilitation of the ‘candle’, a structure designed by architect Santiago Calatrava that had remained incomplete for two decades.
The Youth Jubilee is part of a tradition established by the Catholic Church every 25 years, though this Holy Year was advanced at the Pope’s discretion. The program featured prayers, processions, cultural activities, and interreligious meetings, emphasizing the social commitment of the new generation.
The Mass concluded with fervor and extensive participation, underscoring the significant international and symbolic nature of the event for the Church and the Catholic youth.
Throughout the weekend, Pope Leo XIV offered profound insights to the youth, urging them to be wary of the commercial pressures of social media and to nurture genuine relationships. He also called upon them to become “peace missionaries” in search of a more human world.
On Sunday, just before the Angelus prayer, the Pope voiced his empathy for young people in conflict zones, stating, “We stand with the youth of Gaza and Ukraine! With all those lands stained by war,” eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The pontiff emphasized that the youth are “the sign that a different world is possible,” one in which conflicts are resolved through dialogue, not violence.
Thousands of youth began their journey on foot to Tor Vergata on Saturday afternoon, equipped with backpacks, sleeping bags, and portable devices for the weekend. The night was relatively calm, though unexpected rain in the morning forced some to improvise shelters. José, a Honduran pilgrim, remarked, “We brought little, but we found friends who offered us help and shelter. The rain woke us up.”
The papal helicopter served to wrap up the jubilee festivities, further strengthening the sense of community among attendees.
The commencement of the Holy Year 2025, initiated by the late Pope Francisco, continues under the guidance of his successor. Many young people look forward to the next gathering in Rome, with the hope of connecting with Bergoglio, who has been particularly appreciated by the youth.
Pope Leo XIV honored Francisco in his inspiring homily, quoting a memorable phrase: “Do not be alarmed if you feel thirsty, restless, incomplete, and longing for meaning. We are not unwell; we are alive!”
Ultimately, the Pope returned to the Vatican after joyfully engaging with young Catholics, cruising around Tor Vergata in his Papamóvil and addressing them from the main stage. He invited everyone to the next World Youth Day set for Seoul in 2027, marking a successful and hopeful conclusion to a weekend filled with enthusiasm, unity, and youthful hope.
(With information from AFP and EFE)