Catholic Youths Told They're a Sign of Alternative World Possible

Pope Leo XIV told over a million Catholic youths that they are "the sign that a different world is possible" where conflicts can be resolved with dialogue, not weapons.

In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Pope Leo XIV remembered the young people of Gaza and Ukraine and other countries at war who could not join their celebration.

“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” Pope Leo XIV said. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war.”

“My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue.”

The special Jubilee celebration, part of the Holy Year, drew more than 1 million young people to Tor Vergata field in Rome, along with 7,000 priests and 450 bishops.

Pope Leo XIV urged the participants to "spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith" when they return home to some 150 countries.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are," Pope Leo XIV urged the young faithful. “Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”

Pope Leo XIV also shared some tragic news: two young people who had made the pilgrimage to Rome had died, one reportedly of cardiac arrest, while a third was hospitalized.

Despite rain overnight, the faithful remained spirited.

“At least we were a little covered, but we still got a bit wet. We lost our voices a little. It was cold, but we woke up to a beautiful sun and view," said Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico. “Despite the difficulties, it was very nice and very special to have been part of this historic moment.”

Sister Giulia De Luca, from Rome, acknowledged that “waking up was a bit tough,” but that she was looking forward to seeing the pope again.

The weeklong encounter with the next generation of faithful has been a joyous gathering marked by bands of youths singing hymns as they move down cobblestoned streets, praying the Rosary in piazzas and standing for hours at the Circus Maximus to confess their sins to priests offering the sacrament in a dozen languages.