Youth Jubilee Vigil, 1,000,000 young people welcomed the Pope like a rock star

More than 800,000 young pilgrims - with estimates going as high as 1,000,000 - gathered on the eastern outskirts of Rome on Saturday for the Jubilee Youth Vigil.

The warm welcome culminated in the impressive appearance of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who landed in a military helicopter, provoking excitement and cheers. Smiling from the papal vehicle, with an appearance reminiscent of a... rock star, the Pope greeted the crowds of young people who had rushed to see him, many of whom had already spent the day under the scorching sun, listening to music, praying and chatting with their peers from around the world.

"The Pope is here!"  was announced over the loudspeakers, spreading enthusiasm.

The atmosphere became even more touching when Leo took to the stage, carrying a wooden cross. Addressing the audience, he said: “Dear young people, after we have walked, prayed and shared these days of grace of the Jubilee dedicated to you, we now gather in the light that advances towards night, to remain vigilant together.”

Among them, 18-year-old Julie Mortier from France, her voice hoarse from singing and shouting, said: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can't believe I'm seeing the Pope."

Many had planned to stay overnight in the area before Sunday morning Mass, which culminated the week-long pilgrimage of young people, a key event of the Catholic Church's Holy Year.

Today, holding a mass in an open space outside the center of the Italian capital, the Pope sent a message to young people.

"Always aim for great things, aim for holiness, wherever you are. Our weaknesses are part of our existence and our wonderful being," he added, urging young people not to seek a non-existent, as well as false, perfection.

Today's service was the largest mass gathering of believers that the Italian capital has hosted in the last 25 years and was organized as part of the Catholic Holy Year.

Referring to a message from his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, the American Pope, addressing the young people gathered in Rome, emphasized that "we are all called to face great questions, which do not offer any immediate and simple answers, but which help us to begin to walk, to surpass ourselves, to overcome the limits we had known."

The giant stage with its golden arch and cross dominated an area of more than 500,000 square meters. Some, like British student Andy Hewlett, did not have a clear vision, but they were not discouraged. "The important thing is that we are all in this together," he said.

The Rai television network described the vigil as a "Catholic Woodstock," with dozens of religious music and dance groups entertaining the audience. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave a message of welcome, speaking of an "extraordinary celebration."

The Youth Jubilee began on Monday, almost three months after Pope Leo’s coronation and 25 years after the last major youth meeting in Rome with Pope John Paul II. The young people arrived early in the morning at Tor Vergata to experience 24 hours of prayer and spiritual communion, even if it meant sleeping under the stars. (A2 Televizion)

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