With less than a month to go before the Jubilee of Youth begins, Rome is in its final stages of preparation to welcome over 120,000 young Catholics from around the world. Set to take place from July 28 to August 3, this weeklong spiritual event—organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization as part of the Holy Year of Hope—promises to mark hearts and lives, much like World Youth Day has for past generations.
“This will be something young people will never experience again in their lives. I’m sure of it,” said Father Alfredo Tedesco, director of youth ministry in Rome, in an interview with Catholic News Agency. “In practice, it will be like a World Youth Day.”
Tedesco, who was just 18 when he attended the Jubilee of 2000 with St. John Paul II, reflected on the spiritual impact such an event can have. “For our generation, it was an indelible mark. For them, it can be a new beginning,” he said.
Organizers are not only preparing spiritually but also logistically. Accommodating tens of thousands of pilgrims has required collaboration across parishes, religious institutes, and civil agencies. Tedesco explained, “We have had to refurbish these places. We have had to add bathrooms and showers, ensure breakfast service, organize the arrival of groups, distribute pilgrim kits, and coordinate transportation.” In addition to churches and convents, Italy’s Civil Protection Agency is opening 400 public schools and gymnasiums equipped with restrooms for pilgrim use.
The highlight of the Jubilee will be a massive prayer vigil at Tor Vergata, presided over by Pope Leo XIV. It will feature music, testimonies, and an overnight stay in the same location—simplifying accommodations for organizers that night. “We don’t have to worry about having to accommodate them elsewhere for that night,” said Tedesco.
Official numbers are still pending, as “registration is still open, and the number is growing. Some even speak of a million people,” he noted. While this remains to be seen, approximately 4,000 volunteers from Rome and the surrounding Lazio region are confirmed to assist.
The international flavor of the Jubilee is unmistakable. According to Tedesco, “France, Spain, Poland, Germany… and many even from Eastern Europe, despite the war. This will also be a sign of peace.” There will be a strong showing from Latin America and the United States—encouraged by the presence of an American pope and anticipation for the September canonization of two beloved young saints, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
From Asia, South Korea is expected to send a large delegation, possibly between 1,000 and 3,000 pilgrims, due in part to the upcoming World Youth Day in Seoul. Tedesco added, “They are very motivated.”
African participation will be smaller, largely due to visa and diplomatic hurdles. “There will be African representation, but not as numerous,” he said, though the Holy See is working to facilitate more access.
Several major events have been confirmed. The opening Mass will take place on Tuesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square. Rome will then host a variety of cultural and spiritual events titled Dialogues with the City. On Friday, August 1, young pilgrims will gather at the Circus Maximus for a Penitential Day with opportunities for confession. The week will conclude on Sunday, August 3, with a final Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at 9:30 a.m., followed by the pilgrims’ departure.
The Jubilee of Youth is more than an international gathering—it’s a call to holiness and unity for a generation seeking faith, peace, and purpose. As Tedesco affirmed, “For them, it can be a new beginning.”
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