From the moment Pope Leo XIV appeared in his popemobile at the close of the opening Mass of the Jubilee of Youth in St. Peter’s Square, it was clear this week isn’t simply another event—it is a summons. Tens of thousands gathered on July 29, 2025, as part of the weeklong Jubilee of Hope, running from July 28 to August 3.
He greeted the young pilgrims with a warm, multilingual salutation: “Buona sera, buenas tardes, good evening!” as reported by Catholic Standard. Then came his central reminder: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world!” He continued with a promise to inspire their mission: “Your voices, your enthusiasm, your cries — all of them for Jesus Christ — will be heard to the ends of the earth!”
This is the why behind the Jubilee of Youth. Pope Leo emphasized that “Today marks the beginning of a journey, the Jubilee of Hope, and the world needs messages of hope. You are that message, and you must continue bringing hope to everyone.” Their faith is not meant to remain private; it is missionary in scope.
The how is rooted in unity, prayer, and public witness. The Pope urged: “Let us walk together with our faith in Jesus Christ.” He then invited the crowd to lift a universal prayer for peace: “We want peace in the world! Let us pray for peace.” He added, “Let us be witnesses of the peace of Jesus Christ, of reconciliation — this light of the world that we are all seeking.”
Before the Pope’s arrival, Archbishop Rino Fisichella presided at the Mass. His homily underscored that “faith is an encounter — an encounter, however, that we do not begin ourselves.” He encouraged the young people: “Never be afraid to be witnesses of the Risen Christ, because this is what makes us believers, Christians.” His words called pilgrims to transform their faith into concrete action.
The what now unfolds over a week of prayer, fellowship, and mission. The young pilgrims will participate in catechesis, spiritual events, and will gather again on August 2–3 for the vigil and closing Mass at Tor Vergata, where Pope Leo XIV promised: “See you in Tor Vergata.”
As these pilgrims disperse, they carry a mission: to channel joy into hope, light into darkness, and their voices—raised for Christ—into peace that resonates to the ends of the earth. This Jubilee doesn’t merely invite celebration; it calls for transformation.
