- 25 July, 2025
VATICAN, July 24, 2025: As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Vatican is set to host the Jubilee of Youth from 28 July to 3 August 2025. Speaking at a press conference, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, described the event as “an embrace from all young people worldwide” to those living in war zones. Highlighting its global nature, he said it would be “probably the most anticipated moment” of the Jubilee Year.
About 146 countries will be represented throughout the week, with 78% of participants arriving from European countries. The remaining 22% will travel from across the world, including young people from conflict-affected nations such as Iraq, South Sudan, and Lebanon. “Essentially, this moment of celebration, this moment of joy, is also meant to offer them the embrace of all the young people from around the world — a gesture that symbolizes an authentic moment of peace and a step toward building peace in the world,” Archbishop Fisichella explained.
At least half a million young people are expected to arrive in Rome on 28 July, which the Archbishop called “an exceptionally significant figure.” To accommodate the influx, 370 churches, 400 school buildings, gyms, and a number of families across the city will open their doors to host the pilgrims. Organisers have also made extensive preparations for meals. There will be 20 food stations set up around Rome. “In addition to the 3,500 vendors, young people will have the opportunity to register and receive lunch and dinner. Breakfast will be distributed at all the accommodation sites,” Archbishop Fisichella said, noting that even celiac options will be available.
The Jubilee promises an intense week of faith, fun, and friendship. It will open with “Dialogue with the City,” a series of 70 events taking place from Tuesday to Thursday in various squares across Rome. These events are being coordinated by associations, groups, and bishops’ conferences. Among them, the Duc in Altum theatre group will perform a street play on the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Caritas Internationalis will host a stand featuring an interactive map with videos showcasing youth engagement in its mission. Mary’s Meals will also be present, sharing their global efforts to end the cycle of poverty for children.
Each day will conclude with special spiritual gatherings, beginning with the official welcome Mass in St. Peter’s Square at 7:00 PM local time on Thursday. On Friday, 1 August, the focus will shift to the sacrament of reconciliation. The Circus Maximus will be transformed with tents and staffed by around 200 priests, offering thousands of young people the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confession during this penitential day.
One of the most significant moments of the Jubilee will take place on the evening of Saturday, 2 August, at Tor Vergata — the same site that hosted World Youth Day 2000. There, Pope Leo XIV will join the crowd for a special prayer vigil. During the vigil, three young people — one each from Mexico, the United States, and Italy — will ask the Pope a question in an open dialogue.
The Jubilee of Youth will conclude with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, 3 August.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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