(ANS – Rome) – From July 29 to August 3, 2025, over a thousand young people from Argentina took part in the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, alongside hundreds of thousands of other youth from around the globe. The experience was marked by vigils, Eucharistic celebrations, fraternity, and a deep commitment to peace and to the most vulnerable.

A Key Event of the Holy Year

For five days, the Argentine youth joined one of the central events of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year. The Jubilee of Youth, hosted in Rome by Pope Leo XIV, culminated in a night vigil on August 2 and a final Mass on August 3 at the Tor Vergata esplanade in the southern outskirts of the city.

The Argentine Delegation and a Pilgrimage of Faith

The Argentine group was accompanied by three bishops: Bishop Alejandro Nicolás Musolino SDB, Auxiliary Bishop of Córdoba; Bishop Alejandro Daniel Pardo, Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires; and Bishop José Luis Corral, Bishop of Añatuya, who joined as a pilgrim alongside the youth. On the opening day, Tuesday, July 29, the entire Argentine delegation celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. They gathered with emotion to remember their fellow countryman, Pope Francis, praying at his tomb and thanking him for his message and lifelong witness of love toward the poor. It marked the beginning of their shared journey into this Jubilee of Hope—an event proclaimed by the late Pope Francis himself.

Voices of the Shepherds: Encouragement and Reflection

Bishop Musolino, invited by the Argentine Episcopal Conference (CEA) along with Bishop Pardo, shared his joy and awe at the scale of the gathering:
“We came with more than a thousand young people to represent Argentina, as part of our work with the National Youth Ministry. It was wonderful to see so many young people filled with joy, enthusiasm, and inspired by Pope Leo. I believe they are living a spiritual renewal, rediscovering faith and seeking meaning within the Church. The youth have embraced the call to be instruments of peace—a pressing need in today’s world.”

He also emphasized the communal and transformative nature of the Jubilee:
“This gathering was a profound invitation to unity, to recognize one another as brothers and sisters beyond our differences. It calls us to build bridges, not walls, to live our faith with integrity and to engage actively with the reality of our people. The youth are responding with a transformative energy that fills us with hope.”

He added:
“I sense in young people a deep desire to serve the poorest, especially those who carry invisible wounds. It’s something I’ve felt very strongly these past days.”

A Pastoral Impulse That Extends Beyond Rome

Bishop Pardo reflected on the long-term impact of the Jubilee experience:
“For me, the Jubilee of Youth is a unique event. I believe it breathes new life into the faith of young people—not only those who came to Rome, but also those who will benefit from the fruits of this journey once we return. It is a time full of hope. As Pope Leo reminded them, young people are the salt and light of the world, builders of peace, and bearers of hope to every corner of the planet. We are witnessing a new moment, full of trust that God is present. It is also our responsibility to walk alongside every young person in discovering their vocation and following Jesus, hand in hand with Him.”

A Pilgrim’s Testimony of Hope

Bishop José Luis Corral, participating as a pilgrim, shared his personal emotions:
“I am here enjoying this beautiful gift that is the Jubilee of Youth. Seeing so many young people from different countries, cultures, and languages is a true sign of hope and a powerful call for universal peace. We witnessed so much joy and optimism, and we believe this will bring great benefits—not only now during the Jubilee, but especially after, when each one returns home carrying this unforgettable experience. It will continue to bear fruit through encounters and friendships.”

A Deep Mark on the Church in Argentina

The Jubilee of Youth in Rome not only reaffirmed the vitality of young people’s faith but also charted a path of commitment to the Gospel, justice, and peace. A moment that leaves a lasting mark on the Argentine Church and its future.