Pope Leo celebrates mass with over a million youths, urges them to spread faith and hope

Pope Leo XIV presided over the largest event of his nearly three-month papacy on Sunday, celebrating a grand outdoor Mass with more than one million Catholic youths gathered at Tor Vergata, a vast field on the outskirts of Rome.

Amid cheers of “Viva il Papa” and a sea of colorful flags from around the world, the 69-year-old pontiff encouraged the young pilgrims to carry their faith and enthusiasm back to their homelands. “Spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet,” he told the crowd.

The Mass marked the culmination of a week-long pilgrimage and youth festival tied to the Catholic Church’s ongoing Holy Year. More than 500,000 had arrived in Rome earlier in the week, swelling to over 1 million by Sunday, according to the Vatican.

Many of the attendees camped out overnight to secure a place at the early morning Mass, held under clear skies with temperatures expected to reach 30°C (86°F). The service featured music from a large choir and the presence of 450 bishops and 700 priests, all dressed in green vestments. The altar was set beneath a towering golden arch, crowned by a large cross.

In his homily, Pope Leo challenged the youth to pursue meaningful lives. “There is a burning question in our hearts—a need for truth. What is true happiness? What gives life meaning?” he asked. “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.”

At the conclusion of the Mass, the pope issued a heartfelt appeal for peace, expressing solidarity with young people suffering in conflict zones. “We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine,” he said. “You are the sign that a different world is possible—a world of fraternity and dialogue, not violence.”

Young pilgrims came from 146 countries, bringing life and color to Rome since July 28 through singing, dancing, and public displays of faith.

Rita Piendl, 19, from Germany, reflected the spirit of the gathering: “It’s amazing to see how big the Church really is and how many people are here… We want to spread hope and love to the world.”

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, was elected on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis. Sunday’s event was the largest of his papacy so far, signaling a renewed global focus on engaging young Catholics.

“Have a good trip home,” he told them, closing the Mass with a blessing and a smile.