Hundreds of thousands of young Catholics have descended on Rome for the weekend highlight of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year: an evening vigil, outdoor slumber party and morning Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. The event marks the first major encounter between the newly elected pontiff and the next generation of Catholics.
For the past week, young pilgrims from around the world have taken over areas near St. Peter's Square, participating in prayer, Christian rock concerts and confession sessions. On Saturday, they began arriving at the Tor Vergata field on Rome's eastern outskirts, walking up to five kilometres from the nearest subway station, passing through security checks and setting up camp with backpacks and sleeping bags.
Pope Leo, elected in May as the first American pope, flew in by helicopter on Saturday evening to preside over the vigil and a question-and-answer session. He returned to the Vatican for the night and is scheduled to return for a popemobile ride and Mass on Sunday morning. Officials initially expected 500,000 youngsters, but the Pope hinted the number could reach one million.
The event has drawn comparisons to World Youth Day, the Catholic festival inaugurated by St John Paul II in 2000 at the same Tor Vergata field. Participants have embraced the chaos, with one Lebanese pilgrim noting that long waits and logistical challenges are all part of the experience. However, a tragedy occurred when an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim died during the journey; the Pope met with her group and offered condolences.
While the weather has been cooperative, with temperatures staying below 30°C, the influx has strained Rome's public transport system, causing frustration among some residents. Nevertheless, many Romans have welcomed the enthusiasm, with Premier Giorgia Meloni praising the 'extraordinary festival of faith, joy and hope' brought by the young visitors.
