The day began early for the pilgrims. The Tor Vergata area started welcoming young people who eagerly awaited the arrival of Pope Leo XIV. To make the waiting hours more enjoyable, the central stage hosted a variety of testimonies, dances, and musical concerts.
The joy of the young people filled the air of Tor Vergata, but it wasn’t until 7:30 p.m. that their excitement truly exploded.
A helicopter was the means of transportation used to trasport Pope Leo from the Vatican to Tor Vergata. Once there, he began his ride in the popemobile, greeted by cheering crowds along the way.
Thirty minutes later, Pope Leo XIV got out of the popemobile and carried the Jubilee Cross to the stage. There, he spoke his first words, reading from a prepared speech:
POPE LEO XIV
Peace be with you! Dear young people, after walking, praying, and sharing these days of grace in this jubilee dedicated to you, we now meet again in the light of the advancing evening to keep vigil together, certain that Christ is always by our side and walks with us.
Next came the Q&A session. Three young people, in Spanish, Italian, and English, approached the Pope to ask him various questions about current affairs, social media, how to find God in their daily lives, and how to find the courage to make decisions. This is how he responded to those questions:
POPE LEO XIV
Dearest young people, we learn to choose through the trials of life, and above all by remembering that we have been chosen. That memory must be explored and formed. We received life freely, without having chosen it! At the origin of ourselves, there was not our own decision, but a love that willed us into being.
The Pope did not forget to pray for the young Egyptian woman who died on Friday of a heart attack, as well as for the young Spaniard hospitalized during these jubilee days.
Immediately after, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, and a great silence followed. The Pope, kneeling, prayed alongside the young people.
After this time of prayer, the first night at Tor Vergata, and the final night of the Youth Jubilee, came to a close. Pope Leo thanked everyone and couldn’t hide his joy at this great moment:
POPE LEO XIV
I want to thank the choir, the music—thank you for accompanying us! Thank you to all of you! Thank you!!!
I encourage you to get some rest; tomorrow morning we meet again here for Holy Mass. Congratulations to all, and good night!
With these words, one of the most special nights for Pope Leo XIV came to an end, and the Youth Jubilee draws to a close. The Mass will be the grand finale.
BAM
Trans. CRT
