Pope Leo’s Homily for Jubilee of Youth
Sunday 3rd August 2025This morning, our diocesan youth pilgrimage joined with over one million young Catholics from more than 146 countries as they gathered at Tor Vergata in Rome for the Closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth. Having already met Pope Leo XIV unexpectedly at the Opening Mass earlier in the week, the pilgrims were eager to hear his first full homily at this celebration. He began the week by reminding everyone that they were a message of hope: “You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world! … today your voices, your enthusiasm, your cries — all of them for Jesus Christ — will be heard to the ends of the earth!”
The week‑long Youth Jubilee concluded last night with a peaceful vigil. At this morning’s Closing Mass, Pope Leo XIV carried forward the jubilee theme of hope, urging the young people to embark on an “adventure with the Lord toward eternity,” highlighting that Jesus is gently knocking at the window of their soul.
Reflecting on his homily, he centered on three themes that inspired the pilgrims:
The Soul’s Window
Pope Leo XIV reminded the young people that their lives should be oriented towards heavenly realities, not solely earthly ones. Encouraging them to lift their eyes and stand on tiptoe, he said they’ll find themselves standing before the Lord, gently knocking at the window of their soul. This image sets the tone for an ongoing spiritual journey of encounter
Ask the Great Questions
Continuing, Pope Leo spoke of the “burning questions” in our hearts: What is true happiness? What gives life meaning? What frees us from boredom, meaninglessness, mediocrity? He urged that fullness comes not by accumulation or possessions but through what we joyfully welcome and share with a focus on what’s above, not merely earthly goods. “Jesus is our hope,” he reminded them, quoting Saint Augustine: our hope is in the One Who made all things.
Hope in Action
In the final section of his homily, Pope Leo exhorted young people to live hope actively—through prayer, Eucharist, confession, and charity following the spiritual witness of Blessed Piergiorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis. He encouraged them to “aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are do not settle for less.” And as they return to their homes, he urged: “Continue to walk joyfully in the footsteps of the Savior, and spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet!”
Pope Leo reminds us that this Jubilee is not just a week of events but an invitation to adventure with the Lord toward eternity. He explained how our deepest thirst can only be quenched by divine encounter, not by passing things. Through faith, hope, and love in action, he invited the youth to become living signs of Christ’s presence in the world.
(Photo credit of Pope Leo @vatican news)
