Up to a million young Catholics expected for grand Pope Leo vigil

Al Arabiya

3 days ago

Up to a million young Catholics are expected to gather Saturday for a nighttime vigil led by Pope Leo XIV — the culmination of a weeklong pilgrimage marking a key event in the Jubilee holy year.
The 'Jubilee of Youth,' an initiative by the Vatican inviting Catholics aged 18 to 35 to the heart of the global Church, has brought thousands of pilgrims from across the world to Rome.
This year's gathering comes just under three months after 69-year-old Leo — the first American pope — assumed the papacy. Pilgrims waving flags and singing religious songs have packed the streets of the Italian capital all week in anticipation of his final address to the youth.
'I feel mainly curiosity, as we don't know him very well yet,' said Alice Berry, 21, a student from Paris. 'What does he have to say to us? What is his message for young people?'
Uncertainty, anxiety
Throughout the week, the Church has organized events across the city, including at Circus Maximus, where roughly 1,000 priests were available on Friday to hear confessions.
About 200 white gazebos were set up at the ancient Roman chariot track, with priests offering guidance in 10 languages. Spanish was among the most commonly heard languages on Rome's streets.
The pilgrimage unfolds at a time of rising economic uncertainty and climate anxiety among young people worldwide.
Many pilgrims said they hoped the Vatican would address major global issues including the environment, economic inequality, and ongoing wars.
Samarei Semos, 29, traveled three days from Belize to attend. 'We are still trying to understand his leadership,' she said of Pope Leo, adding she hopes he will speak out about challenges facing 'third world countries.'
The gathering also comes amid widespread concern over the humanitarian crisis in Israel-blockaded Gaza, and more than three years into Russia's war in Ukraine.
Night vigil
The Vatican has praised youth from war-torn nations like Ukraine and Syria for making the journey, and Pope Leo has repeatedly urged participants to 'pray for peace.'
Earlier this week, he told the assembled young people that their voices 'will be heard to the end of the earth.'
According to the Vatican, youth from more than 146 countries are represented at the event.
The climactic mass will be held in Rome's Tor Vergata district, where a large open-air space and new stage have been prepared. The area hosted the last youth jubilee 25 years ago, under Pope John Paul II.
Over 4,300 volunteers and more than 1,000 police officers are involved in organizing and securing the event.
In an unprecedented move, Pope Leo also held a special mass on Tuesday for Catholic social media influencers, signaling the Church's intent to engage digitally savvy youth.
Rome authorities have tightened security throughout the city as a record influx of both tourists and pilgrims crowds the streets.