(ANS – Rome) – With a full day dedicated to arrivals and settling in, the Jubilee of Youth officially began on Monday, July 28. Rome is already feeling the joyful presence of thousands of young pilgrims flooding the streets, speaking many languages and bringing vibrant color to the Eternal City.
The rhythmic beat of an unusual summer rain merges with spontaneous street chants, singing in chorus, and the sounds of guitars and other instruments. The city has been taken over by young people from around the world who have traveled here to take part in what Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Vatican coordinator for the Jubilee Year, has described as “the most anticipated moment of the Holy Year.” The event will run through Sunday, August 3.
Arrivals and Accommodations
Thousands of pilgrims from across the globe are arriving to participate in the rich program presented on Wednesday, July 23. Archbishop Fisichella had highlighted that up to half a million arrivals were expected on Monday alone. To welcome them, organizers have arranged accommodations across approximately 370 parishes, 400 schools, 40 additional locations such as Civil Protection sites, sports arenas, and community gyms, along with several families opening their homes to pilgrims. The Rome Fairgrounds will host 25,000 young people, turning it into a “city within the city.”
Before the inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square at 7:00 PM, presided over by Fisichella himself, a series of events called “Dialogues with the City” began at 9:00 AM. These include 70 cultural, artistic, and spiritual activities, spread across Roman piazzas and continuing through Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Expectations of Young Pilgrims
Young people from all over the world are already bringing a wave of energy and hope to the city. With their unique backgrounds, they carry messages of faith and anticipation, eager to share them. In Salesian houses offering hospitality, members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM/MGS) have been expressing their hopes:
“I hope to grow closer to God and build meaningful relationships with other young people here,” says a young man from the United States.
“From this Jubilee, I expect to receive inspiring messages from the Holy Father, and above all, hope. As young people, we are called to grow in faith and hope,”
adds a young woman from Italy.
“I’m expecting lots of joy and a lot of hope – this is the Jubilee of Hope! I can’t wait to hear what the Pope will say, especially since this is his first meeting with us,” comments another young Italian.
“This Jubilee means a lot to me. I want to get closer to God and share my faith with other youth,” says Luka, a participant from Croatia.
“These days in the oratory have been tiring but beautiful. Serving these kids is so rewarding. Even if we don’t speak English well, we Don Bosco animators all speak the same language,”
say Gaetano and Simone, two Italian teen volunteers.
Messages from Church Leaders
Encouraged by the “AI Angels” of the SYM – young volunteers managing digital reporting supported by AI – various Church leaders have also sent greetings and encouragement, especially to Salesian pilgrims:
“I send you my warmest greetings,” said Archbishop Fisichella.
“We’ve worked hard to make this encounter possible. Let’s make sure to meet many of your peers, especially those from conflict zones—this helps us become more sensitive to today’s global issues. These are important days. Live them with enthusiasm and above all, with great joy.”
Jesuit Fr. Antonio Spadaro, Undersecretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, also shared a heartfelt message:
“I send my greetings to all the SYM youth. I’ve known you since before the movement even officially existed because I’ve always been close to the oratory and Salesian world. Keep going—especially in deepening your understanding of Artificial Intelligence. Learn how to face the world in light of the major challenges we’re living through. All the best!”
The Jubilee of Youth continues in Rome with joy, reflection, and shared faith, marking a significant step for young Catholics on their journey of hope.
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