Local deacon serves closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome

By Deacon Rafael Longhini
Special to The CFP

Rome became the heart of the world’s Catholic youth during the Jubilee of Youth held July 28-Aug. 3 – a key moment in the Jubilee Year of Hope.  

Pope Francis first announced this event at the end of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, where he said he “made an appointment” with them “in Rome, in 2025, for the Youth Jubilee, where you too will be ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’”

I had the great grace of being present in Rome for this historic and spiritual gathering, which brought together more than one million young people from the five continents and about 146 countries, including regions affected by war like Ukraine and Gaza.

The Jubilee began on July 28, with a vibrant opening Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by over 120,000 young people, clergy and religious. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presided over the celebration. Welcoming the crowd in six languages, he said, “Dear friends, in the name of Pope Leo XIV, I welcome you!”

He thanked the youth for accepting the Pope’s invitation, highlighting that this Jubilee was a celebration of the hope each young person carries within.  

“Thank you for accepting the Pope’s invitation to take part in this Jubilee dedicated to you and to the hope each of you carries within. You have come from all over the world,” he said.  

“The Lord will not disappoint you,” the archbishop said in his homily. “He will come to meet you – be ready to recognize his presence. Live these days with joy and spirituality.”

At the end of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV surprised everyone by driving through the crowd in the popemobile, warmly greeted by smiles, tears and joyful chants. Standing before the Basilica, he encouraged the young people to become messengers of hope.

“Jesus tells us you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world,” Pope Leo said in English.

“And today, your voices, your enthusiasm, your cheers – which are all for Jesus Christ – will be heard until the ends of the earth,” he said in Spanish to loud cheers.

He also repeated his enduring appeal for peace. “Let us all say together: We want peace in the world. Let us pray and become witnesses of the peace of Jesus Christ.”

Over the next days, July 29–30, Rome was alive with activity – catechesis sessions, Masses, music festivals, Eucharistic adoration and countless spiritual encounters held across the city’s churches and streets.

The energy of the youth was infectious. There was singing, praying and dancing in the streets. We were reminded of Pope Francis’ words: “You are the living hope of a Church on the move. You are the present of the Church, not just its future.”  

Throughout the week, young people journeyed to the four major basilicas – St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major – to pass through the Holy Doors. At times, lines at St. Peter’s reached a three hour wait, yet spirits remained joyful.

At the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, I had the privilege of venerating Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s body, brought from Turin for the Jubilee. He will be canonized on Sept. 7, and his life continues to inspire countless young Catholics.

On Aug. 1, the ancient Circus Maximus became a place of mercy. Two hundred confessionals were set up, and nearly 1,000 priests heard confessions in various languages. It was deeply moving to see so many young people seeking the sacrament of reconciliation – a visible sign of renewal and grace.

On Aug. 2 pilgrims walked to Tor Vergata, where the vigil and final Mass would occur. Over one million youth camped overnight after an evening filled with prayer, music, testimonies, and Eucharistic Adoration.

During his address, Pope Leo urged us: “Reflect on your lives and seek justice to build a more human world.”

He called us to fix our eyes on Christ. “Adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament,” he said. “Study, work, and love like Jesus, who walks always beside you.”

A special highlight was the monstrance, brought from Turin, used during Adoration.

According to the organizers, Christ had been venerated in it by saints such as Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. John Bosco, and St. Joseph Cafasso – a powerful link between generations of faith.

On the morning of Aug. 3, Pope Leo again greeted the youth gathered in Tor Vergata and presided over the closing Mass.

For me, this moment was especially personal and unforgettable. I was one of the deacons who served alongside the Holy Father at the altar.

Before the Mass, I had the honor of kissing the Fisherman’s Ring and briefly speaking with the pope.  

I shared that I am Brazilian and a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Worcester. With a warm smile, he replied: “Massachusetts has more Brazilians than Brazil itself” and added, “I will pray for your vocation.”

Sitting beside the pope throughout the liturgy, I reflected on the many moments of my vocational journey. His words in the homily seemed addressed directly to us: “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.”

At the end of the homily, he entrusted all young people to Our Lady of Hope: “I entrust you to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Hope. As you return to your countries, continue to walk joyfully in the footsteps of the Savior, and spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet!”

Before the final blessing, Pope Leo recalled that following this Jubilee of “Pilgrims of Hope” in Rome, the next great destination will be Asia. There, the Successor of Peter will gather with young people to celebrate World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, from Aug. 3 to 8, 2027.

The theme of the upcoming WYD is taken from the Gospel of John, “Take courage! I have overcome the world.”

The Jubilee of Youth was a powerful reminder that the Church is young, alive and full of hope. I return with renewed joy, a grateful heart, and a deeper desire to serve – confident that the Lord of Hope walks with us.