A 'cascade of grace'
From the large red, white and gold stage in the heart of Tor Vergata, Pope Leo’s gaze extends to the whole world, represented by the microcosm of faces and souls gathered on the Roman esplanade for the Youth Jubilee. With the young people of all ages and countries, the Pontiff spent the Vigil and celebrated Mass. Then he recited the Angelus and granted the final blessing, as a crowning touch to what was foretold - and so it was confirmed - as the most imposing and well-attended event of the entire Holy Year. ‘t was a cascade of grace for the Church and for the whole world! And it was so through the participation of each one of you. For this I want to thank you one by one, with all my heart,’ he said.
The Pope's consolation to those who suffer
As he did at the Vigil, Leo XIV again wanted to remember María and Pascale, ‘the two young pilgrims, one Spanish and the other Egyptian, who have left us in these days’. And they are also words of consolation and encouragement that the Pope, in English, addressed to all the young people who live under the noise of the bombs, in fear of the attacks, in the horror of loss and destruction. ‘We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war,’ he states bluntly.
The new world with Christ and the invitation to Seoul
Indeed, seeing so many evils, Leo delivers a clear appeal: ‘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.’ ‘Yes, with Christ it is possible! With his love, with his forgiveness, with the power of his Spirit.’
This is why he is already renewing the invitation and calling all young people to the appointment in Seoul, capital of South Korea, for World Youth Day 2027. ‘Have courage: I have overcome the world! (Jn 16:33)’ will be the theme of the Days. ‘It is precisely the hope that dwells in our hearts that gives us the strength to proclaim the victory of the Risen Christ over evil and death; and of this you, young pilgrims of hope, will be witnesses to the ends of the earth,’ the Pontiff urged, before reiterating: ‘let us continue to dream together, to hope together!’
A thought for those who could not attend and a mission for young people
Before taking one last ride in the Popemobile to greet as many young people as possible, the Holy Father sent a thought to the many young people who were unable to attend: ‘In so many countries where it was impossible to leave, there are places where young people could not for the reasons we know.’
This is why the conclusion was a new appeal by the Pontiff to the young people present in Rome: ‘You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and take this greeting to all your friends, to all the young people who need a message of hope. Thank you all and have a good trip!’
Source: Vatican News
