Pope Leo XIV Inspires Over One Million Youths at Historic Rome Mass

Pope Leo XIV led a powerful final mass in Rome on Sunday, bringing together more than one million young pilgrims from across the world in a celebration of faith, unity, and hope.

The gathering marked the climax of the week-long “Jubilee of Youth,” a highlight of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. Pilgrims began arriving days earlier, with many spending the night in tents, sleeping bags, or on mats, eager to witness the historic event.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less,” Pope Leo urged the sea of young worshippers, encouraging them to embrace faith and purpose in their lives.

The Vatican said 800,000 people attended a twilight vigil on Saturday, with the number swelling to over one million for Sunday’s mass. Among the attendees was 19-year-old Christofer Delano from New York, who was overwhelmed by the crowd’s size.
“I didn’t expect to see all these people… it’s amazing to be here and see the Pope in person,” he said.

During his homily, the 69-year-old pontiff – the first pope from the United States and a former missionary – called on the youth to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet.”

The Pope also used the moment to express solidarity with young people in regions torn by war and suffering.
“We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, and with every land bloodied by war,” he said during the Angelus prayer. “My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible – one where conflicts are solved with dialogue, not weapons.”

For many, the event was more than a pilgrimage; it was a message of hope, unity, and the power of faith in shaping a peaceful future.