Pope Leo XIV yesterday told more than a million Catholic youth at a closing Mass for a weeklong Jubilee event that they are “the sign that a different world is possible”, where conflicts can be resolved with dialogue, not weapons. Source: Crux.
In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo remembered the young people of Gaza and Ukraine and other countries “bloodied by war” who could not join their celebration.
“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings,” Leo said. “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.”
The young people camped out in sprawling fields southeast of Rome overnight after attending a vigil service on Saturday presided by Leo, who arrived from Vatican City by helicopter.
The Vatican said more than 1 million young people were present, along with 7000 priests and 450 bishops.
During the Sunday homily, Leo urged the participants to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith” when they return home to some 150 countries.
“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” he urged the young faithful. “Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”
The Pope reminded the crowd that their next encounter will be for World Youth Day, set for August 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.
FULL STORY
Pope Leo XIV tells 1 million Catholic youths that they are ‘the sign a different world is possible’ (By Colleen Barry, Paolo Santalucia, Associated Press via Crux)
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