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20h ago

Pope Leo XIV Concludes Jubilee of Youth Vigil at Tor Vergata with Massive Gathering

Security crews alongside volunteers sustained extended operations ahead of a dawn Mass to close the festival after the pope offered condolences for a pilgrim’s death.

Young people hold hands during an open-air Mass in Rome as part of the Jubilee of Youth on August 3.
Pope Leo XIV gestures on the day of a Mass for Jubilee of Youth in Tor Vergata, in Rome, Italy, August 3, 2025. Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
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Overview

  • Organisers estimated between 800,000 and 1 million young Catholics from 146 countries gathered on Rome’s outskirts for the Jubilee of Youth vigil led by Pope Leo XIV.
  • Arriving by helicopter and later touring the crowd in his popemobile, Leo XIV delivered spontaneous blessings and called for peace, friendship and courageous faith.
  • The Vatican confirmed the death of 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim Pascale Rafic, and the pope met her traveling group to extend his condolences.
  • Earlier in the week more than 1,000 priests heard confessions in ten languages at Circus Maximus and Leo XIV met social media influencers to stress human connection in digital ministry.
  • Over 4,300 volunteers and 1,000 police remained on duty to manage logistics and security as the festival prepared for an early morning closing Mass.