Pope Leo XIV Leads Over 1 Million Youths at Jubilee Mass in Rome

Pope Leo XIV led a historic World Youth Jubilee in Rome, where over one million young Catholics from around 146 to 150 countries gathered for a week-long spiritual celebration during the Holy Year pilgrimage. At the concluding Mass held at Tor Vergata field, he urged the youth to 'aspire to great things, to holiness' and to spread the enthusiasm and witness of their faith upon returning home. The event included prayers, hymns, confessions, and an overnight vigil, with many participants camping outdoors despite rain and cold weather. Pope Leo, noted as the first U.S.-born pope and relatively young at 69, engaged with the youth in multiple languages and addressed the challenges of decision-making and social media in today's world. The gathering was marked by joyous camaraderie but also touched by tragedy, as two young pilgrims died during the event. The week-long jubilee showcased the global reach of Catholicism and emphasized the importance of faith renewal among the next generation.