Joyous Welcome for Pope Leo XIV
On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV received a rock star welcome from hundreds of thousands of young Catholics at an open-air prayer vigil in Rome. The event marked a significant moment in the Jubilee of Youth celebration, attracting pilgrims from across the globe.
A Dramatic Arrival
The pope made a spectacular entrance via a white military helicopter, prompting cheers and tears from the crowd as he descended over the gathering. Organizers reported that up to 800,000 young pilgrims from 146 countries were present, with estimates suggesting attendance might have reached one million.
Waving to the Crowd
From his popemobile, the first U.S. pope waved at the throngs of excited youth vying for a better view. Many had spent the day under the sun, engaging in music, prayer, and fellowship. An enthusiastic voice over the public address system declared, “The pope is here,” which was met with thunderous applause.
A Reflective Evening
The atmosphere shifted to one of contemplation as the pope took to the stage, bearing a large wooden cross. “Dear young people, after walking, praying and sharing these days of grace of the Jubilee dedicated to you, we now gather together in the light of the advancing evening to keep vigil together,” Leo, 69, addressed the crowd.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Among the attendees was 18-year-old French pilgrim Julie Mortier, whose voice was hoarse from singing and cheering. “We’re too happy to be here. Seeing the pope, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she expressed.
Anticipation for Sunday Mass
Many pilgrims planned to camp overnight in anticipation of a Sunday morning mass led by Pope Leo, which will conclude a week-long youth pilgrimage and is a significant highlight in the Catholic Church’s Jubilee holy year.
Connectedness Despite Distance
Even those positioned far from the massive stage, adorned with a golden arch and towering cross, felt a sense of joy. British student Andy Hewellyn remarked, “I’m so happy to be here, even if I’m a bit far from the pope. The main thing is that we’re all together,” while others nearby played guitars and chatted in the sun.
A Catholic “Woodstock”
The event has been likened to a Catholic “Woodstock,” featuring nearly two dozen musical and dance groups throughout the day, many of them with religious ties. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the young pilgrims in a video message, noting their vibrant atmosphere of “praying, singing, joking among themselves, celebrating in an extraordinary party.”
A Historic Gathering
The Jubilee of Youth began earlier in the week, occurring almost three months into Pope Leo’s papacy and 25 years after the last large-scale youth gathering in Rome led by Pope John Paul II.
Preparing for a Night Under the Stars
In the early hours of Saturday, groups of young people made their way from central Rome to the vigil site in Tor Vergata, excited to spend the next 24 hours among fellow believers. Victoria Perez, waving a Spanish flag, eagerly awaited her first glimpse of the pope. “It’s the first time I’m going to see him, and I can’t wait,” the 21-year-old shared, anticipating “a night of prayers under the stars.”
Inspired by Past Messages
Quentin Remaury, a 26-year-old from France, reflected on how Pope Francis’s message during a 2016 visit to Krakow inspired him. “Pope Francis told us to ‘get off your couches’, and that really gave me a boost,” he said.
Church Activities Throughout the Week
Pilgrims participated in various church-planned events during the week, including confession sessions at Circus Maximus. On Friday, around 1,000 priests were present, with makeshift confessionals set up under white gazebos throughout the ancient site.
Facing Modern Challenges
The pilgrimage occurs at a time when many participants are grappling with economic upheaval, climate concerns, and global conflict. Samarei Semos, a 29-year-old from Belize, traveled three days to attend and expressed her hope that Pope Leo would advocate for “third world countries.”
Tragic News Before the Vigil
Before the vigil began, the Vatican reported that Pope Leo had met with the family of an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who sadly passed away from a heart attack the previous night on a bus returning from an event.
Tight Security Measures
Tight security measures were in place for the vigil, with over 4,300 volunteers and more than 1,000 police officers ensuring the safety of attendees.
