Rome: Millions of Young People Welcome Pope Leo XIV

More than 800,000 young people, potentially reaching one million, participated in the Youth Jubilee vigil in Rome. The appearance of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, was the highlight of the event.

The Pope arrived by helicopter and greeted the crowd from the popemobile. Addressing the youth, he called on them to aim for holiness. The gathering was the largest in Rome in the last 25 years, within the framework of the Holy Year of Catholics.

The event included religious music and confessions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the event as an "extraordinary celebration of faith and unity."

The event was marked by the death of an 18-year-old pilgrim from Egypt. Security was tight, with the participation of thousands of police officers and volunteers.