Pope Leo tells 1 million Catholic youths they’re signal ‘totally different world is feasible’

ROME — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday advised greater than one million Catholic youths at a closing Mass for a weeklong encounter with the following era of trustworthy that they’re “the sign that a different world is possible” the place conflicts might be resolved with dialogue, not weapons.

In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo remembered the younger individuals of Gaza and Ukraine and different international locations “bloodied by war” who couldn’t be a part of their celebration.

“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” Leo stated. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war.”

“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 younger individuals camped out in sprawling fields southeast of Rome in a single day after attending a vigil service on Saturday, additionally presided by Leo who has been ferried from Vatican Metropolis by helicopter. The particular Jubilee celebration is a part of the Holy Yr that’s anticipated to attract 32 million individuals to the Vatican for the centuries-old pilgrimage to the seat of Catholicism.

The Vatican stated greater than 1 million younger individuals had been current, together with 7,000 monks and 450 bishops.

Younger individuals get up after spending the night time on the Tor Vergata subject in Rome as they take part within the Youths Jubilee, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025.

Andrew Medichini/AP

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Andrew Medichini/AP

Through the Sunday homily, Leo urged the members to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith” once they return house to some 150 international locations.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” Leo urged the younger trustworthy. “Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”

Leo reminded the group that their subsequent encounter will likely be for World Youth Day, set for Aug. 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.

The week has been a joyous gathering marked by bands of youths singing hymns as they transfer down cobblestoned streets, praying rosaries in piazzas and standing for hours on the Circus Maximus to admit their sins to monks providing the sacrament in a dozen languages.

Leo additionally shared some tragic information on Saturday: two younger individuals who had made the pilgrimage to Rome had died, one reportedly of cardiac arrest, whereas a 3rd was hospitalized.

Rain in a single day woke up the trustworthy however did not dampen their spirits.

“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,” stated Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico. “Despite the difficulties, it was very nice and very special to have been part of this historic moment.”

Sister Giulia De Luca, from Rome, acknowledged that “waking up was a bit tough,” however that she was wanting ahead to seeing the pope once more.

“It will be very nice to conclude a very intense week together. Definitely a lot of fun, but also very challenging in many ways,” she stated.