Pope Leo preaches friendship to nearly 1 million at Holy Year youth festival
32 million young Catholics from around the world are expected to take part in the pilgrimage to Italy’s capital for the jubilee celebration
Pope Leo XIV presided over a final mass in Rome for over one million young people on Sunday, the culmination of a youth pilgrimage that has drawn Catholics from across the world.
Most of those attending slept on the ground in tents, in sleeping bags or on mats, awaiting Sunday’s mass under sunny skies.
“There is a burning question in our hearts, a need for truth that we cannot ignore, which leads us to ask ourselves: what is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? What can free us from being trapped in meaninglessness, boredom and mediocrity?” asked the 69-year-old pope in his homily.
“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less,” Pope Leo told the young people.
Upon your return to your countries, Leo told them, “continue to walk joyfully in the footsteps of the Saviour, and spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet!”
“Have a good trip home!”