Pope Leo Receives 'Rock Star' Welcome at Youth Festival in Rome

More than a million young people gathered in Rome over the weekend for the Jubilee of Youth, an event dubbed the 'Catholic Coachella' by attendees. The gathering, which took place in the Tor Vergata area, drew a diverse crowd of teens and young adults from around the world, all eager to see Pope Leo XIV in person. The event, held during the 2025 Year of Jubilee, marked one of the largest and youngest audiences the pontiff has ever addressed in his papacy.

Arriving by helicopter, the American pope was greeted with a thunderous applause and an enthusiastic reception, with fans singing, dancing, and waving banners. The event, held under the blazing Roman sun and misters, created a vibrant atmosphere that mirrored the energy of a major music festival. The pope, who spoke in English to reach a global audience, emphasized the importance of young people in shaping a more just and peaceful world.

"We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings," the pontiff said, addressing the crowd. "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."

Participants from across the globe shared their experiences at the event. Rita Piendi, a young pilgrim from Germany, described the gathering as a testament to the vitality of the global church. "It's just amazing to see just how big the world church is and how many people are here just believing in God and actually being on fire to see the pope, to just live in this community," she said.

Christofer Delano, who traveled from New York, was equally impressed. "I knew there was going to be a lot of people. I didn't know it was going to be this many. So I'm just so happy to be here," he said.

The event coincided with the 2025 Year of Jubilee, a special year in the Catholic Church that occurs once every 25 years. The Church has made a concerted effort to engage with the digital generation, with initiatives such as the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint. Acutis, who died at 15 of leukemia, was known for his online presence documenting miracles and was nicknamed "God's Influencer."

The Church's outreach efforts extend beyond religious events. Last week, Pope Leo XIV invited social media influencers to the Vatican, where they posted selfies with the pontiff. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reconnect with younger generations, many of whom have become disaffected by decades of scandals, including the sexual abuse of minors by priests.

According to a Pew Research Center report, only 30% of U.S. Catholics attend Mass weekly, and 43% of those raised Catholic no longer identify with the faith. Despite these challenges, the Jubilee of Youth event demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Catholic Church to a new generation of believers.

As the festival continued, the pope's message of unity and peace resonated with the young attendees. The event not only celebrated the faith but also served as a reminder of the Church's commitment to addressing global issues such as war, poverty, and injustice. For many young people, the Jubilee of Youth was not just a celebration but a call to action.