Rome was alive with celebration as close to a million young Catholics gathered for the Jubilee of Youth, filling the streets and squares with prayer, music, and joy. At the center of it all was Pope Leo XIV, whose arrival by helicopter drew an outpouring of cheers from every corner of St. Peter’s Square. On Morning Air, John and Sarah shared their excitement over the moment, describing the atmosphere as one of overwhelming joy and anticipation.
Among the highlights of the gathering was a question posed by Will, a teenager from the United States, who asked how young people can truly encounter the risen Lord in their lives and remain certain of His presence even in times of trial and uncertainty. The Holy Father responded with warmth and clarity, assuring the youth that Jesus is not a distant figure or an abstract idea, but a true friend who walks beside them always.
Pope Leo offered practical and deeply spiritual guidance for anyone seeking to know Christ more fully. He encouraged the young people to listen to the Gospel with attentiveness, to reflect honestly on how they are living, to serve the poor with compassion, to spend time in adoration before the Eucharist, and to approach their studies, work, and relationships in the spirit of Christ. Each of these actions, he explained, opens the heart to the presence of Jesus, who is already close and ready to meet us.
The Pope emphasized that this relationship with Christ is not something we achieve on our own strength. It is rooted in the grace of God, without which we cannot accomplish the good we desire. He reminded the youth that they will find Jesus not only in personal prayer but also in the Church, in their communities, and in one another. In these encounters, especially when approached with sincerity, Christ makes Himself known.
Quoting Saint Augustine, Pope Leo spoke of the restless longing that only God can satisfy, noting that our hearts will not find peace until they rest in Him. He then issued a simple yet profound invitation: to thank the Lord for calling us and to live in such a way that others might encounter Jesus through our words and actions, even in the midst of our imperfections. This was not a call for a flawless life, but for a faithful one, rooted in gratitude and open to God’s work.
As the Jubilee of Youth continued, the pope’s message served as a rallying point for the thousands present and for the millions who followed from afar. The call was clear: to walk with Jesus in daily life, to trust in His presence, and to bring His love to others. For the young pilgrims gathered in Rome, it was a reminder that their journey of faith is not one they take alone. Christ has already begun walking with them, and He will remain by their side.
In the words Pope Leo inspired them to repeat in their hearts: “Thank you, Jesus, for calling me.” And with that gratitude, they continue forward, carrying the joy of the Jubilee into the world.