Jubilee’s High Point: A Multitude of Young Catholics Converge in Rome for Prayer Vigil with Pope Francis
Tens of thousands of young Catholics from around the globe gathered in Rome on Saturday for a massive prayer vigil with Pope Francis, the highlight of the Jubilee Year, or “Holy Year,” in the Catholic Church.
Pilgrims from 146 Countries
Ranging between 18 and 35 years old, the pilgrims arrived from 146 countries, flooding Rome’s transportation and streets throughout the week. The excitement reached its peak when Pope Francis arrived by helicopter about forty minutes before the event, set to begin at 8:30 PM local time in an open space in Rome’s Tor Vergata district.
Emotional Reception
As the Pope descended from the military white helicopter, he greeted the crowd that had endured a scorching day under the sun, listening to music, praying, and conversing. The atmosphere shifted from joyous to solemn when the Pope took the stage with a large wooden cross.
“Dear young people, after walking and sharing these days of Jubilee grace dedicated to you, we now gather in the light of this night to spend the evening together,” said the Pope.
Among the faithful was Julia Mortier, an 18-year-old French woman who became hoarse from shouting and singing for hours. “We’re so happy to be here! Seeing the Pope is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she shared.
“Catholic Woodstock”
The Italian channel Rai dubbed the event as the “Catholic Woodstock,” as nearly two dozen musical and dance groups, many of them religious, entertained the crowd before the Pope’s arrival. An artist shouted to the pilgrims, “The world needs you!” as they spread out mats, cushions, umbrellas, and flags across the extensive, dusty area.
“I’m very happy to be here, even though I’m a bit far from the Pope,” Andy Hewellyd, a British student, told AFP before the Pope arrived. “What matters is that we’re all together,” he added, noting the large screen near his seat.
Anticipation and Preparation
Waving a Spanish flag and carrying a heavy backpack, 21-year-old Victoria Pérez expressed her excitement about attending for the first time and wanting a good spot. “I came early to see the Pope up close,” she explained to AFP, eager to experience “this night of prayers under the stars.”
Though the exact number of attendees remains unknown, the Vatican anticipated a million pilgrims. Most plan to spend the night on the 50-hectare site until the closing mass led by Pope Francis, a Peruvian-American, on Sunday morning.
Italian Prime Minister’s Welcome
In a video, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the pilgrims to Rome, which transformed into a setting for “an extraordinary celebration.”
Logistical Challenge
Organizing the event posed an extraordinary logistical challenge for authorities, with around 10,000 personnel—police and civil protection agents—and health measures—water bottle distribution and misters—to help participants endure Rome’s summer heat.
The Vatican reported that Pope Francis met and prayed with travelers accompanying an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who died on Friday night in a bus after attending an event in Rome.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the young Catholics gathering in Rome? Tens of thousands of young Catholics from 146 countries, aged between 18 and 35, are attending the prayer vigil with Pope Francis.
- What is the significance of this gathering? This event marks the highlight of the Jubilee Year, or “Holy Year,” in the Catholic Church, during which pilgrims can receive “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.
- What is the atmosphere like during this gathering? The atmosphere shifts from joyous to solemn as the Pope arrives and takes the stage, with music, prayers, and conversations filling the air.
- What challenges did organizers face? Authorities faced an extraordinary logistical challenge, deploying around 10,000 personnel and implementing health measures to help participants cope with Rome’s summer heat.
- What is the purpose of this Jubilee Year? The Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, occurring every 25 years, is a time for pilgrims to seek spiritual renewal and forgiveness.
