Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
The event marked the culmination of a week-long spiritual pilgrimage organised as part of the Vatican’s Jubilee Holy Year.
Jubilee of Youth draws massive global Catholic turnout in Rome
The Jubilee of Youth gathered approximately 500,000 pilgrims in Rome throughout the week, with attendance swelling to 800,000 by Saturday night.
According to the Vatican, Sunday’s closing mass saw the figure surpass one million as worshippers flooded the open-air site for the papal liturgy.
Participants came from all continents, many journeying long distances to be part of the once-in-a-generation celebration.
Youth groups arrived carrying national flags, creating a vibrant and diverse congregation that spent the night before the final mass in tents, on mats, or in sleeping bags under the open sky.
Final mass features message of courage and spiritual aspiration
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful not to settle for mediocrity in their spiritual lives. “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less,” he told the crowd. The pontiff’s message focused on hope, responsibility, and active faith in the present, not just in the future.
The mass featured multilingual scripture readings and music performed by youth choirs from various countries. The Pope’s message was reinforced with themes of resilience, moral clarity, and inclusiveness, appealing to a generation facing modern-day challenges in an increasingly secular world.
Rome transformed during Jubilee with youth activities and catechesis
Throughout the Jubilee week, Rome hosted a range of youth-focused religious events including catechesis, prayer vigils, and open confessions. Churches and historical basilicas across the city remained open for pilgrims, many of whom described the experience as both transformative and unifying.
According to reports from religious news agencies, pilgrims participated in guided reflections and workshops addressing topics such as discernment, global peace, and vocation, led by bishops and clergy from around the world.
Volunteers and logistics ensure smooth handling of mass pilgrimage
The Vatican coordinated with Rome’s city authorities to manage security, medical care, and crowd control for the massive event.
More than 20,000 volunteers helped guide attendees and provide assistance across key locations. Despite the summer heat and dense crowds, no major incidents were recorded.
Officials praised the discipline and reverence demonstrated by the pilgrims, crediting the smooth operations to extensive planning and global cooperation from Catholic youth organisations and dioceses worldwide.
Pope Leo XIV calls on youth to lead with faith and service
The Pope concluded the mass with a reminder to the young generation that they are integral to the Church today, not merely its future. “You are not the future of the Church; you are its present,” he said.
He called for continued courage in defending human dignity, promoting peace, and living out Gospel values in everyday life.
The Vatican confirmed that youth activities will continue through the Jubilee Holy Year, including upcoming regional pilgrimages and digital spiritual initiatives. The next major youth liturgical event will take place during Christmas celebrations in December.
