ROME, Italy — Imagine almost one million young people from all over the world, coming together in one city, singing, praying, and waiting for one very special moment — a nighttime vigil with the new Pope!
This huge event is called the Jubilee of Youth 2025, and it’s happening right now in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church. It’s a week-long celebration for young Catholics ages 18 to 35 — and it’s about to end with a grand final Mass led by Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American Pope, who became the new leader of the Church just three months ago.
🇻🇦 All Eyes on the New Pope
People are excited, curious, and even a little nervous. Many are still getting to know Pope Leo. He’s new, and not everyone is sure what kind of leader he will be.
“I feel mostly curiosity,” said 21-year-old Alice from Paris.
“What is his message for us young people?”
🌍 Youth From All Over the World
Young Catholics have filled the streets of Rome, waving flags from their countries — like Spain, Germany, Belize, Ukraine, Syria, the Philippines, and many more.
They sang songs, took part in talks and prayers, and even lined up at the ancient Circus Maximus — a place where chariot races were once held — to go to confession with one of over 1,000 priests in special white tents. Confession was offered in 10 different languages!
🌱 What the Youth Want to Hear
This is not just about prayer — young people also want to hear what the Pope thinks about the big problems in the world today:
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Climate change
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Poverty and hunger
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War in Ukraine
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Suffering in Gaza
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Unfair treatment of poor countries
“We want to understand his leadership,” said 29-year-old Samarei from Belize,
“I hope he speaks up for third world countries.”
🕊️ Pope Leo’s Call for Peace
During the week, Pope Leo has been very clear about one thing:
“Pray for peace.”
He praised the brave young people from war-torn places like Ukraine and Syria, saying their voices are powerful and need to be heard “to the ends of the earth.”
🌟 The Grand Vigil
The final Mass will happen on Saturday night at Tor Vergata, a huge open space in Rome where a big stage has been built just for this event.
That’s the same place where Pope John Paul II held a youth jubilee 25 years ago.
Over 4,300 volunteers will be there helping out, along with 1,000 police officers to keep everyone safe.
📱 Reaching the Digital Generation
Earlier this week, in a surprise move, Pope Leo even held a special Mass just for Catholic social media influencers! That’s right — the YouTubers, TikTokers, and Instagrammers of faith got to join the Pope, showing how the Church is opening its doors to the Internet generation.
🚨 City on High Alert
Rome has never seen anything like this — not even during busy tourist seasons. The streets are full of pilgrims and tourists, and security has been tightened to make sure everything stays safe.
✨ One Unforgettable Night Awaits
As the sun sets, almost a million young voices will rise into the Roman night — singing, praying, and listening closely to a new Pope with a new message for a new generation.
This isn’t just a Church event.
It’s a global moment of faith, hope, and the power of youth — and the whole world is watching.
