More than 1 million young people were gathered in Rome on Sunday to hear the first American pope’s closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, a weeklong event gathering the next generation of Roman Catholic faithful.
In his address to the crowd gathered at Tor Vergata field, in the Eternal City, Pope Leo XIV told young people that they were “the sign that a different world is possible.”
Why It Matters
It is less than three months after Leo was elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church after Pope Francis‘ death in April. Francis was beloved by many faithfuls, who admired his efforts to shake off some of the Church’s more antiquated, conservative traditions and embrace a poorer, humbler lifestyle.
There were a lot of expectations for the next pope to continue Francis’ legacy, including being vocal about the war in Gaza, standing up to U.S. President Donald Trump over his immigration policies, and bringing new generations into the faith.
While Leo has walked back on some of the changes made by Francis, including returning the papal wardrobe “to form,” he has repeatedly voiced his support for Gaza and Ukraine.
The Chicago-born pontiff has not yet clashed with Trump, but has made remarks that could be seen as targeted at the U.S. president. In June, Leo criticized political leaders with an “exclusionary mindset,” calling for God to “open borders, break down walls [and] dispel hatred.”
What To Know
The 2025 Jubilee of Youth was on the Vatican’s agenda before Leo was nominated. The weeklong event, part of the Holy Year, was expected to draw 32 million people to Rome; at least 1 million young people from more than 150 countries were present on Sunday, according to the Vatican. That was on top of about 7,000 priests and 450 bishops.
What the Pope Said
Leo told young people gathered in Rome: “We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings. We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war.”
He added: “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.
“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”
What Happens Next
The next event for young Catholics is World Youth Day, in Seoul, South Korea, on August 3-8, 2027.
The post Pope Leo Gives Speech to 1 Million-Strong Crowd: What He Said appeared first on Newsweek.
