Pope Leo addressed more than a million young Catholics at the final Mass of a week-long gathering with a new generation of believers, calling them “symbols of the possibility of another world” where differences are resolved through negotiation rather than violence.
In his final blessing for the Youth Jubilee, the pontiff paid tribute to the young people of Gaza, Ukraine and other regions “who suffered from the horrors of war” and who were unable to take part in the celebrations.
“Today, more than ever, we stand with those who face the gravest consequences of human cruelty,” Lev emphasized. “We stand with the youth of Gaza. We stand with the young generation of Ukraine, with the young men and women of all lands scorched by the flames of conflict.”
“Dear brothers and sisters, your presence proves that another world is real. A world of unity and understanding, where disputes end not with shots, but with words.”
Participants pitched a tent city in the vast meadows southeast of Rome, attending a jubilee service on Saturday led by Leo, who was flown to and from the Vatican by helicopter.
According to the Vatican, the event attracted more than a million young people, 7,000 clergy and 450 bishops.
It is a special event in the Holy Year, which is expected to attract 32 million pilgrims to the heart of the Catholic world for a centuries-old spiritual tradition.
In his Sunday homily, the pontiff called on participants to “carry energy and living faith” when they return to their countries, of which there are about 150.
“Strive for the highest – for holiness, wherever you are,” Leo inspired. “Do not be satisfied with little. Then the light of the Gospel will shine brighter every day – within you and around you.”
The Pontiff recalled that the next meeting will take place at World Youth Day from 3 to 8 August 2027 in Seoul (South Korea).
The week passed in a spirit of unity: youth groups sang spiritual songs in the streets, prayed in the squares and lined up at the Circus Maximus for confession in a variety of languages.
On Saturday, Leo also mentioned sad events: two pilgrims who arrived in Rome died – one of a heart attack, another was hospitalized.
The night rain could not dampen the spirits of the participants.
Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico, said: “Our makeshift shelter was a little wet and we were hoarse. It was chilly, but the morning greeted us with sunshine and a sea view.”
“While overcoming the difficulties, we felt a deep joy from participating in this unique historical event.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
