Youth Jubilee in Rome: An Oasis of Faith and Divine Joy

On their World Day, A Greeting of love and hope to all the Youth of the World!

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

A cry of love, fraternity, and peace... a cry of hope and faith... a cry of heavenly joy reflected by hundreds of thousands of young people who flocked from all corners of the earth to the city of Rome, carrying in their hearts much hope and life. They came as apostles of Christ from various countries and communities to unite in Prayer, live hope, and affirm with one spirit that what unites them is one name, the name of Jesus Christ.

The eyes of the entire world have recently turned to Rome, which witnessed an international Church event manifested in the Youth Jubilee within the framework of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year. The Jubilee was not merely a global youth gathering, but rather an oasis of Prayer, faith, and fraternity embodied in various spiritual celebrations and Prayers.

The meeting culminated in the words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who called on youth to be light, hope, and witnesses of Christ's peace and reconciliation, asking them to spread their enthusiasm and witness of faith.

The Youth Jubilee concluded just days before the World Youth Day, designated by the United Nations as part of its international calendar on August 12 of each year. This day emphasizes the need to amplify the voices of young people and develop their skills despite all the challenges they face. But does anyone listen to the needs and concerns of youth? Does anyone notice their joy in Praying and working together?

Infinite joy

Indeed, joy has been a source of inspiration and strength for many young people around the world. From this perspective, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV wished the participants in the Youth Jubilee to be able, upon their return to their countries, to fill their land with joy and the power of the Gospel. This is what many previous Popes emphasized in their reflections, speeches, and teachings.

His Holiness Pope John XXIII believed that joy lies in the salvation of Jesus Christ. He said in one of his messages: "For us a Savior has been born, the Lord Jesus Christ. In this lies the secret of true happiness, which man cannot find in the noise of this world and in worldly matters. It is a happiness that nothing can destroy, not even tribulations. It is the joy of knowing that we are saved, that Jesus is our Brother, that He is good and loves us, that He has made us partakers in His divine nature, and raised us to communion with the life of God."

For his part, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI saw that joy comes through inner renewal. He noted in one of his speeches that "there are many people who lack true and authentic joy, but they can find it through inner renewal." He noted that he thinks of "those who have lost the meaning of authentic joy and are searching for it where they cannot find it... The call to joy is not a sterile palliative care, but rather a prophecy linked to salvation, a call to renewal from within."

From his end, His Holiness Pope Francis emphasized that "the Christian message is a proclamation of great joy, this joy connected to the person of Jesus, who is true joy." He emphasized the need for joy to be the defining characteristic of every Christian's lifestyle and called on believers to proclaim Christ to others with joy, because without joy, we cannot bring this Good News to others.

United in Joy

In an era of endless crises and conflicts, and in a world engulfed by wars, hate speech, and violence... is there still room for joy? And what about the youth of countries suffering from conflicts?

At the end of the Holy Mass presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Tor Vergata, concluding the Jubilee for Youth, and before reciting the Angelus, the Supreme Pontiff addressed a speech in which he expressed his closeness to all young people around the world, especially the youth who face numerous challenges beyond their control, challenges that could obscure the joy they don't want to give it up.

In this context, the Holy Father said: "In communion with Christ, our peace and hope for the world, we are closer than ever to young people who suffer the worst evils caused by other human beings. We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, and with every young person in a land bleeding from war. My young brothers and sisters, you are a sign that a different world is possible, a world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved by weapons but by dialogue."

The Holy See's follow-up of young people will not stop with the Youth Jubilee. Rather, the Vatican continues to journey with the world's youth on a pilgrimage of Prayer to help them strengthen their hope and consolidate their faith wherever they go.

In its new mission, this pilgrimage bears the motto: " Take courage, I have overcome the world" (John 16: 33) and will lead young people to Asia, to a new youth meeting with the Holy Father and the celebration of World Youth Day in Seoul - Korea, from August 3 to 8, 2027.

Despite all the initiatives that seek to accompany and support young people, youth today live in a society that directs accusations and negative comments at them, plunging them into a cycle of despair and anxiety... Some consider young people unqualified or unprepared to build a better future... Others see them as an element far from the Church, Prayer, and hope...

What is most important today is that young people cling to their hope and believe that the will to live is stronger!