Pope Leo XIV rallied more than a million young Catholics on Sunday, urging them to embrace peace and calling them “the sign that a different world is possible.”
The Chicago-born pontiff delivered the powerful message at a colossal Mass southeast of Rome, capping the Vatican’s weeklong “Jubilee of Youth” celebration — drawing teens and young adults from over 150 countries.
“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” Leo said in his blessing.
“We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war,” he said.
Leo spoke to hordes of the young faithful, many of whom camped overnight Saturday after attending a vigil, also presided by him.
“My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue.”
The event also drew in 7,000 priests and 450 bishops alongside the 1 million youth, the Vatican said.
The week was marked by bands of youths singing hymns as they moved down cobblestoned streets and standing for hours in line at the Circus Maximus for confession in a dozen languages.
The Pope urged the young people to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith,” when they return to their home countries.
“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” Leo said. “Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”
The pontiff also revealed that two young people making the pilgrimage to Rome had died during the week, and a third was hospitalized. One reportedly died of cardiac arrest, while it wasn’t immediately clear how the second perished.
Still, spirits were high during the gathering — even as rain dampened much of the crowd waiting for the Mass.
“At least we were a little covered, but we still got a bit wet. We lost our voices a little. It was cold, but we woke up to a beautiful sun and view,” said Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico.
“Despite the difficulties, it was very nice and very special to have been part of this historic moment.”
The next youth gathering with the pope will be on World Youth Day, set for Aug. 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.
With Post wires
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