A Jubilant Encounter at the Vatican: Pope Leo's First Big Meet with Youth

Hundreds of thousands of young Catholics converged on a vast field on the outskirts of Rome for the weekend highlight of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year. The event marked Pope Leo XIV's first major encounter with the next generation of Catholics, featuring an evening vigil, an outdoor slumber party, and a morning Mass.

In preparation for the Holy Year, bands of young Catholics from across the globe flooded St. Peter's Square, engaging in traditional practices like praying the Rosary and singing hymns. Meanwhile, they conquered entire piazzas for Christian rock concerts and sought spiritual solace in confessions at the Circus Maximus.

Locals faced disruptions due to overwhelmed public transport; however, many embraced the youthful enthusiasm as a sign of lasting faith. Premier Giorgia Meloni extended a warm welcome via video, highlighting the 'extraordinary festival of faith' the young attendees brought to Rome.

(With inputs from agencies.)