Pope Leo XIV Leads Vigil for Nearly One Million Youths in Rome Jubilee

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, led a massive 'Jubilee of Youth' event in Rome, attracting up to one million young Catholic pilgrims from around the world for a week-long pilgrimage culminating in a solemn nighttime vigil. The gathering featured a dramatic entrance by helicopter and enthusiastic crowds who celebrated the pope like a rock star before engaging in prayer and reflection. The event also included a significant focus on contemporary issues affecting youth, such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and global conflicts, with many pilgrims eager for the pope's guidance on these topics. Concurrently, the Vatican hosted the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, marking the first formal recognition of social media evangelists by the Church, where Pope Leo XIV emphasized authenticity and thoughtful engagement in the digital age. Influencers like Diana Lopez from San Antonio highlighted a cultural shift within the Church toward embracing digital content creation as a vital part of its mission to reach broader and younger audiences. Pope Leo’s leadership is being closely watched by young Catholics worldwide, who are curious about his message and hopeful for his stance on pressing global challenges.