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Over one million faithful attend Pope’s closing Mass in Rome
More than one million young pilgrims gathered in Rome on Sunday, August 3, to attend a grand outdoor Mass celebrated by Pope Leon XIV, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee of Youth, a major Catholic event that attracted worshippers from around the world.
In his homily, the 69-year-old pontiff addressed the spiritual longing of young people:
“There is a burning question in our hearts, a need for truth we cannot ignore. What is true happiness? What gives life meaning? What frees us from absurdity, boredom, and mediocrity?”
He urged the faithful to pursue higher purpose:
“Aspire to greatness, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less. When you return to your countries, continue joyfully following the path of the Savior, and share your enthusiasm and faith with everyone you meet.”
The Mass served as the culminating moment of a week-long celebration, described by Italian media as a “Catholic Woodstock.” A massive open-air vigil held Saturday night already gathered 800,000 people, and by Sunday, the Vatican confirmed the number had surpassed one million.
Many pilgrims slept in tents or under the stars, waiting for the papal Mass under sunny skies. As a choir sang, 450 bishops and 700 priests gathered beneath a golden arch and large cross on the grand stage, while the Pope arrived by helicopter and made his entrance in the popemobile to enthusiastic cheers.
The festive atmosphere was filled with guitar music, spontaneous prayers, and youth groups singing in multiple languages. One participant, Andy Hewellyn, a British student, watched the ceremony from afar on a large screen.
“I’m just so happy to be here,” he said. “Even though I’m far from the Pope, the important thing is that we’re all together.”
This youth pilgrimage comes three months after Pope Leon’s election and commemorates 25 years since Pope John Paul II held the last similar event in Rome. Highlights from the week included open-air confessions at the historic Circus Maximus, repurposed as a spiritual sanctuary.