Pope tells crowd of a million Catholic youths they are ‘the sign a different world is possible’

ROME — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday told more than a million Catholic youths at a closing Mass for a weeklong encounter with the next generation of faithful that they are “the sign that a different world is possible,” where conflicts can be resolved with dialogue, not weapons.

In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo remembered the young people of the Gaza Strip and Ukraine and other countries at war who could not join their celebration.

“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” Leo said. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war.

“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.”

The young people camped out in sprawling fields southeast of Rome overnight after attending a vigil service Saturday, also presided over by Leo, who has been ferried from Vatican City by helicopter. The jubilee celebration is part of the Holy Year events that are expected to draw 32 million people to the Vatican for the centuries-old pilgrimage to the seat of Catholicism.

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

During the Sunday homily, Leo urged the participants from some 150 countries to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith” when they return home.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” the first American pope 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 the next youth encounter will be during World Youth Day, set for Aug. 3-8, 2027, in Seoul.

The week has been a joyous gathering marked by bands of youths singing hymns as they move down cobblestone 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 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, an American 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 and Santalucia write for the Associated Press and reported from Rome and Milan, respectively.