Pope Leo XIV waves to faithfuls as he leaves after leading a mass in the Tor Vergata district of Rome, as part of Jubilee of Youth, on August 3, 2025. Pope Leo XIV presided over a final mass in Rome for over one million young people, the culmination of a youth pilgrimage that has drawn Catholics from across the world. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)
Just before the conclusion of the closing Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Rome’s Tor Vergata field, Pope Leo expressed his closeness and solidarity with the young people suffering in Gaza, Ukraine, and all those living in war-torn parts of the world.
“In communion with Christ, our peace and hope for the world, 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. 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.”
Sympathies for Maria and Pascale
The Pope also expressed his sympathies and condolences over the death of two young pilgrims, Maria and Pascale, a Spaniard and Egyptian, who died during their time in Rome due to sudden health emergencies.
We give thanks to God
The Pope’s words came just before leading the Angelus prayer as he offered final greetings to the over one million pilgrims gathered for the Sunday morning outdoor Mass.
He took the opportunity to invite everyone to express their immense gratitude to God for the gift of these days of their Jubilee.
He said the outpouring of God’s grace for the Church and the entire world was reflected in the participation of all the young people, and he thanked them with all his heart. Greeting the thousands of bishops, priests, religious and pastoral leaders accompanying the young people, the Pope thanked them for their pastoral care, as well as all those who offered their prayers for the events and participated spiritually.
World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, Korea
Finally, the Pope recalled that following this jubilee “Pilgrimage of Hope” in Rome, the next destination on the horizion will be Asia when the Successor of Peter will join them to celebrate World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, from 3 to 8 August 2027. The theme of the next WYD is taken from John’s Gospel, the verse recalling Jesus’ words to his disciples at the Last Supper, “Take courage! I have overcome the world.”
The Pope said may the hope that abides in our hearts give us the strength to announce the victory of the Risen Christ over evil and death. And it is this reality that gives the young pilgrims hope and the courage to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. He said may we continue to dream and hope together in view of the next meeting in Seoul, entrusting ourselves to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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