A massive crowd of pilgrims from around the world gathered on the evening of Saturday, August 2nd, on the Tor Vergata campus to take part in a historic vigil — the first major meeting between the global youth and Pope Leo XIV, after his predecessor, Pope Francis, announced the celebration of the Youth Jubilee in Rome during the closing Mass of World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023.
From the early hours of the day, the first pilgrims began to arrive, gradually filling the iconic grounds of Tor Vergata — including members of the Shalom Community. While waiting for the encounter with the Pope, musical performances began at 3 p.m., including a show by Missionário Shalom.
After an afternoon filled with music and joy, the Holy Father arrived by helicopter, later greeting the young people aboard the popemobile, ending the ride just meters from the main stage. Pope Leo XIV then ascended the platform carrying the Jubilee Pilgrim Cross, accompanied by dozens of young people and volunteers.
“Friendship transforms the world; it is the path to peace”
Three young people had the opportunity to ask Pope Leo XIV questions in Spanish, Italian, and English, touching on topics that weigh heavily on the hearts of 21st-century youth: friendship, the courage needed to make radical decisions, and the search for goodness.
Speaking on friendship, the Holy Father referenced two great saints: Saint Augustine and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
“Centuries ago, Saint Augustine captured the deep longing of our hearts, even without knowing the technological advances of today. He also experienced a turbulent youth, but he did not settle. In his words: ‘No friendship is faithful except in Christ. And only in Him can it be happy and eternal.’”
The Pope also quoted Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: “To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without a struggle for truth—that is not living, but merely existing.” “When our relationships reflect this deep bond with Jesus, they become sincere, generous, and true.”
“The choice we must make is not for something, but for someone”
On making life decisions, he emphasized:
“Dear young people, to be truly free, we must begin from a firm foundation — the rock that supports our steps. That rock is a love that goes before us, surprises us, and infinitely surpasses us: the love of God. Before Him, every decision becomes a judgment that doesn’t take away anything good, but always leads us to something greater.”
Finally, the Roman Pontiff concluded:
“In response to your questions, I would like to invite each of you, dear young people, to say to the Lord: ‘Thank you, Jesus, for calling me. My desire is to remain one of your friends. Grant me, Lord, that whoever meets me may find You — even through my limitations and weaknesses.”
United in Adoration and Intercession for the World
The Q&A session was followed by the proclamation of the Gospel of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, then a moving moment of Eucharistic adoration in which the Holy Father mentioned several young people who had recently died from illness, inviting all to intercede for them.
Music played a central role throughout the adoration, led by a choir directed by the renowned Italian priest and composer, Fr. Marco Frisina.
At the end of the adoration, the Holy Father invited everyone to rest and return for the closing Mass, which will take place on Sunday, August 3rd — the crowning moment of this unforgettable Youth Jubilee 2025.
Before returning to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV made a final gesture of veneration and farewell before the icon of Salus Populi Romani, displayed prominently at the center of the main stage.
