The Jubilee Year in Rome: A Gathering of Young Hearts
The Jubilee Year in Rome is in full swing, and despite some changes to the schedule, the Jubilee of Teenagers is still going strong from 25 to 27 April. Over 70,000 young people from all corners of the globe have flocked to the Eternal City to partake in the events.
Vatican News
The atmosphere in Rome has been described as “historic” by the teenagers who have gathered there over the past few days. The streets are filled with young pilgrims, easily identifiable by their backpacks and duffel bags.
One such pilgrim is Béatrice, a 14-year-old girl from Lyon, France, who traveled with her diocese for the Jubilee. Originally planned to coincide with the canonization Mass for Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, the Jubilee faced uncertainty after the passing of the Pope. Luckily, the events proceeded as planned, much to Béatrice’s delight. “Every time I come back from a pilgrimage, I feel free again,” she shares. Alongside her are Arthur and Zoé, also from Lyon, who express their gratitude for being able to attend the late Pope’s funeral Mass.
“We already went to Assisi,” Zoé proudly declares, as the group reflects on the Pope’s legacy. The teenagers are touched by the Pope’s ability to connect with them and are eager to honor his memory during this special time.
Anna, a visitor from Geneva, Switzerland, shares her experience at the funeral Mass, saying, “The Jubilee for young people became a time of mourning and thanksgiving. This Pope was very close to young people. I remember his smile and the way he gently touched the hearts of all.” Béatrice echoes these sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to be among the faithful paying tribute to the late Bishop of Rome.
While there have been adjustments to the original plans due to the Pope’s passing, the spirit of the Jubilee remains strong. The scheduled vigil with the Pope was replaced with the funeral Mass, and the canonization of Carlo Acutis has been postponed. Nevertheless, tens of thousands of joyful teenagers are coming together to participate in the second “Novemdiales” Mass in honor of Pope Francis.
