Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, addressed more than 800,000 young people at a vigil for the Youth Jubilee, in what is estimated to be the largest gathering of the faithful in Rome in 25 years.
The 69-year-old Pope’s arrival via military helicopter was met with an enthusiastic crowd, drawing comparisons to a rock concert. From his vehicle, he greeted the attendees with a smile.
Addressing the crowd, Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to strive for holiness rather than a false sense of perfection. “Our vulnerabilities are part of our existence… Aim high, wherever you are,” he said.
The event was part of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year. During Sunday’s mass, Pope Leo XIV echoed a message from the late Pope Francis, stating, “We are all called to confront great questions… with a takeoff that allows us to fly.”
The event, which Italian television network RAI called a “Catholic Woodstock,” featured religious music on a 500,000-square-meter stage with a golden arch and a cross. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was also present, calling it an “extraordinary celebration of faith and unity.”
Attendees participated in confessions, with over 1,000 priests available in makeshift confessionals. Many slept outdoors to not miss any part of the event.
The gathering took place against a backdrop of global challenges, including economic uncertainty, environmental crises, and armed conflicts. The mood was somber for a brief period, however, as news spread of the death of an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who suffered a heart attack. The Pope met with the young man’s group and prayed for him.
Security was tight, with 1,000 police officers and more than 4,000 volunteers ensuring the smooth running of what has been one of the largest youth religious pilgrimages in the history of the Vatican.
