Walking through doors of hope: Indian youth delegate shares experience

Rome, September 4, 2025 : The Jubilee of Youth 2025 was not just a global Catholic gathering; it became a pilgrimage of faith and renewal for over 800,000 young people from July 28 – August 5. Among them were vibrant contingents from India, including Sagar Gabbeta of Warangal Diocese, who shared how the Eternal City turned into a living witness of prayer, unity and fraternity.

Simple Beginnings, Shared Fraternity

The Indian group lodged in modest accommodation at Monterotondo, sleeping in bags on classroom floors and sharing basic meals. “Pilgrimage is not about comfort but about grace,” Gabbeta reflected. Even collecting pilgrim passes from the Jubilee Hub in Frascati became symbolic—keys to days of communion and faith.

Church Alive in St. Peter’s Square

On 29 July, St. Peter’s Square erupted in colour as flags filled the sky. Archbishop Rino Fisichella presided at the inaugural Mass, but the crowd’s hearts lifted when Pope Leo arrived, urging: “Dear young people, you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world… Carry peace, bring hope, and let your faith shine.”

Pilgrimage Through Holy Doors

Walking through the four Holy Doors proved transformative: mercy at St. Peter’s Basilica, unity at St. John Lateran, missionary zeal at St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Marian trust at St. Mary Major. Each threshold, Gabbeta said, “was a spiritual passage renewing my vocation to serve.”

Mercy at Circus Maximus

On 1 August, the Circus Maximus hosted 1,000 priests in 200 confessionals. Witnessing thousands queueing under the Roman sun for reconciliation, Gabbeta described the scene as “the true heartbeat of the Jubilee—a Church alive with mercy.”

Vigil and Mission at Tor Vergata

The 2 August night vigil at Tor Vergata drew over 1.5 million pilgrims. Silence fell as Pope Leo led Eucharistic Adoration. “It felt like heaven touching earth,” Gabbeta said. The Pope’s challenge to “dream big” and “be builders of bridges” turned the vigil into a commissioning for a new generation.

Sent Forth as Pilgrims of Hope

The concluding Mass the next morning confirmed that mission. Pope Leo told the youth: “You are the sign that a different world is possible… Do not let anyone steal your hope.”

Moments of Grace and Gratitude

Personal highlights included praying at Pope Francis’ tomb, a behind-the-scenes Vatican visit, and proudly carrying the Indian tricolour among fellow pilgrims. Gabbeta credited his bishop, clergy mentors and friends in the CCBI Youth Commission for enabling the journey, describing their prayers and support as “pillars” of his pilgrimage.

Faith Carried Home

Returning to Warangal, Gabbeta said he brought back more than memories: “The Jubilee was not an ending but a turning point—a call to live daily as a pilgrim of hope, bringing Christ’s joy and courage wherever life leads.”

Walking through doors of hope: Indian youth delegate shares experience

Latest News