Pope Leo XIV speaks to Catholic youths at the closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth; spoke on Gaza, Ukraine
Share this @internewscast.com

ROME — On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV addressed over a million young Catholics at the conclusion of a weeklong gathering, emphasizing a hopeful message that they symbolize the possibility of a different world where dialogue replaces conflict and war.

In his benediction marking the end of the Jubilee of Youth, Leo paid tribute to those from war-torn regions like Gaza and Ukraine who couldn’t participate in the festivities.

“We stand in solidarity with the youth who suffer gravely due to the deeds of fellow humans,” Leo stated. “Our hearts are with the young people in Gaza, in Ukraine, and in every war-stricken region.”

“Dear young friends, you are the testimony that another world can exist. One built on brotherhood and camaraderie, where disputes are settled through conversation, not arms.”

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

The youth stayed overnight in vast fields southeast of Rome following a Saturday vigil service led by Leo, who was flown from Vatican City by helicopter. This special Jubilee is a segment of the Holy Year, anticipated to attract 32 million pilgrims to the Vatican, symbolizing the ongoing tradition of Catholic pilgrimage.

The Vatican said more than 1 million young people were present, along with 7,000 priests and 450 bishops.

During his Sunday speech, Leo encouraged attendees to “bring your zeal and the example of your beliefs” back to their homes across nearly 150 nations.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” Leo 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.”

Leo reminded the crowd that their next encounter will be during World Youth Day, set for Aug. 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.

The week 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.

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

Rain overnight awakened the faithful but didn’t dampen their spirits.

“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.

“It will be very nice to conclude a very intense week together. Definitely a lot of fun, but also very challenging in many ways,” she said.

Barry reported from Milan

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Crosetti Brand sentenced to life in prison for killing Jayden Perkins, injuring Laterria Smith in Edgewater, Chicago stabbing

Crosetti Brand Receives Life Sentence for Fatal Stabbing of Jayden Perkins and Injuring Laterria Smith in Edgewater, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday, Crosetti Brand was sentenced to life imprisonment…
Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev walking in a park.

Trump Likely to React Strongly if Putin Maintains Stance on Ukraine; US Envoy Heads to Moscow for Urgent Talks

DONALD Trump will reportedly “go ballistic” if Putin doesn’t agree to a…
US journalist missing in Norway after backpacking trip, family says

Family Reports US Journalist Missing After Backpacking in Norway

Efforts are in progress to locate an American journalist who vanished on…
Venezuelan suspect 'should never have been in the United States,' police chief says after deadly shooting

Police Chief: Venezuelan Suspect ‘Shouldn’t Have Been in the U.S.’ Following Fatal Shooting

A suspect was arrested by police in Aurora, Colorado, on Monday morning…
Bed Bath & Beyond previews Nashville flagship reopening

Bed Bath & Beyond Teases Grand Reopening of Nashville Flagship Store

Remember those iconic blue coupons? Two years after closing all of its…

Family Confirms Death of 20-Year-Old Influencer and Musician Chase Filandro in Emotional Tribute

INSTAGRAM star Chase Filandro has died at age 20. The actor’s sister…
Grocery prices 2025: Shoppers at South Loop, Chicago grocery store and more frustrated with increasing costs; expert weighs in

Frustration Mounts at South Loop, Chicago Grocery Stores as Shoppers Face Rising Prices in 2025: Expert Analysis

CHICAGO (WLS) — At a South Loop grocery store, customers experience sticker…
Facebook post and comments about an Oasis concert.

Father’s Tragic Final Post Before Attending Oasis Concert, Hours Before Fatal Fall ‘From Top Tier’

A DAD’s heartbreaking final post before attending an Oasis gig where he…
Authorities probe antisemitic attack involving arson, threatening graffiti in Midwest city: 'Violent acts'

Officials Investigate Hate-Fueled Attack Featuring Arson and Threatening Messages in Midwest City: ‘Acts of Violence’

Law enforcement agencies at both the local and federal levels are conducting…
Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond captured after intensive Tennessee search

Intensive Tennessee Manhunt Leads to Capture of Quadruple Murder Suspect Austin Drummond

Police in Jackson, Tennessee, arrested quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond on Tuesday…
Gone in a SNAP: RFK Jr. and MAHA End the Decades Long Candy and Soda Gravy Train

RFK Jr. and MAHA Put an End to Longstanding Candy and Soda Industry Benefits

Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke…
Billboard depicting Iranian ballistic missiles; text reads "Israel is weaker than a spider's web".

Iran Executes Nuclear Scientist Roozbeh Vadi for Allegedly Sharing Information with Israel Linked to Assassination of Nuke Chief

IRAN has executed a nuclear scientist accused of leaking crucial information to…