Pope Thrills Hundreds Of Thousands Of Young Catholics At Holy Year Youth Festival

Pope Leo XIV leads a vigil prayer for the Jubilee of Youth at Tor Vergata, on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, on August 2, 2025. (Photo by Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV urges young people to make radical choices for good during a major event in Rome. On Saturday, he addressed hundreds of thousands at the Jubilee of Youth, part of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year. Leo spoke about the dangers of social media and the value of true friendship. He also shared tragic news about two young pilgrims who died. The event drew young Catholics from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere in Rome. Despite some inconvenience, many locals welcomed the enthusiasm. Leo plans to return for a Mass on Sunday morning.

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