More than one million young people became pilgrims as they joined Pope Leo XIV in celebrating the Jubilee of Youth.
Parishioners from the Diocese of Brooklyn were in Italy for the weeklong Jubilee, and also visited the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi.
Back-to-school season is soon approaching, and one Christian school superintendent is putting a new spin on school year prep.
By Currents News and Carol Glatz
ROME (CNS) – The fullness of life depends on how much one joyfully welcomes and shares in life while also living with a constant yearning for those things that only come from God, Pope Leo XIV told young people.
“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you,” he said in his homily during Mass concluding the Jubilee of Youth Aug. 3.
The outdoor Mass, held in Rome’s Tor Vergata neighborhood on the outskirts of the city, marked the culmination of a week-long series of events for the Jubilee of Youth.
RELATED: Pope Leo XIV Urges Youth To Find Hope, Friendship in Christ in Uncertain Times
More than 1 million people were estimated to be gathered across the 130 acres that had been prepared for the morning Mass, the prayer vigil the evening before, and for the hundreds of thousands of people sleeping overnight.
After touching down by helicopter less than 12 hours after leaving the evening vigil, the pope rode in the popemobile throughout the open areas – dotted with tents and tarps, and filled with young people, cheering, waving their nation’s flag, and sometimes launching at him shirts and gifts.
“Good morning!” he said in six languages from the massive stage set up for the Mass.
“I hope you all rested a little bit,” he said in English. “We will shortly begin the greatest celebration that Christ left us: his very presence in the Eucharist.”
He said he hoped the concluding Mass would be “a truly memorable occasion for each and every one of us” because “when together, as Christ’s church, we follow, we walk together, we live with Jesus Christ.”
In his homily during the Mass, the pope again highlighted the importance of the Eucharist, as “the sacrament of the Lord’s total gift of himself to us.”
It is Christ, the Risen One, he said, “who transforms our lives and enlightens our affections, desires and thoughts.”
“We are not made for a life where everything is taken for granted and static, but for an existence that is constantly renewed through the gift of self in love,” he said.
RELATED: Pope Leo Stands With Youth in Gaza, Ukraine, Calls for Dialogue, Not War
Much like a field of flowers, where each small, delicate stem may dry out, become bent and crushed, he said, each flower is “immediately replaced by others that sprout up after them, generously nourished and fertilized by the first ones as they decay on the ground. This is how the field survives: through constant regeneration.”
“This is why we continually aspire to something ‘more’ that no created reality can give us; we feel a deep and burning thirst that no drink in this world can satisfy,” he said. “Knowing this, let us not deceive our hearts by trying to satisfy them with cheap imitations!”
Pope Leo urged the young people to listen to that yearning and “turn this thirst into a step stool, like children who stand on tiptoe, in order to peer through the window of encounter with God,” who has been “waiting for us, knocking gently on the window of our soul.”
“It is truly beautiful, especially at a young age, to open wide your hearts, to allow him to enter, and to set out on this adventure with him towards eternity,” he said.
Speaking briefly in English, the pope said, “There is a burning question in our hearts, a need for truth that we cannot ignore, which leads us to ask ourselves: what is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? What can free us from being trapped in meaninglessness, boredom and mediocrity?”
“Buying, hoarding and consuming are not enough,” he said. The fullness of existence “has to do with what we joyfully welcome and share.”
RELATED: The Three Questions Young People Asked Pope Leo XIV
“We need to lift our eyes, to look upwards, to the ‘things that are above,’ to realize that everything in the world has meaning only insofar as it serves to unite us to God and to our brothers and sisters in charity, helping us to grow in ‘compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience,’ forgiveness and peace, all in imitation of Christ,” he said.
Evoking St. John Paul II’s words during the XV World Youth Day prayer vigil held in the same spot 25 years ago, Pope Leo reminded the young people that “Jesus is our hope.”
“Let us remain united to him, let us remain in his friendship, always, cultivating it through prayer, adoration, Eucharistic communion, frequent confession, and generous charity, following the examples of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will soon be declared saints,” he said.
Wishing everyone “a good trip home,” he encouraged the young people to “continue to walk joyfully in the footsteps of the Savior, and spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyo
By Currents News and Junno Arocho Esteves
ROME (CNS) — Addressing an estimated 1 million young people, Pope Leo XIV urged them to forge genuine relationships rooted in Christ rather than ephemeral online connections that can reduce individuals to a commodity.
“When a tool controls someone, that person becomes a tool: a commodity on the market and, in turn, a piece of merchandise,” the pope said during the evening prayer vigil for the Jubilee of Youth Aug. 2. “Only genuine relationships and stable connections can build good lives.”
The pope arrived by helicopter at the Tor Vergata field, roughly eight miles southeast of Rome’s city center, and was greeted with cheers from young people waving flags. Many of the youth were going to camp out overnight, sleeping in tents and sleeping bags on the dusty field, much like the World Youth Day celebration held 25 years ago in the same location.
Countless young people kicked up the dust from the field as they ran alongside the popemobile to catch a glimpse of the pontiff. Pope Leo smiled and waved at the youth, occasionally catching objects and plush toys that were hurled his way.
Exiting the popemobile, he was handed the large Jubilee year cross, which he carried to the main altar, accompanied by dozens of young people.
After beginning the vigil with prayers, the pope engaged in a dialogue with several young people who asked him three questions.
RELATED: The Three Questions Young People Asked Pope Leo XIV — And His Answers
Dulce Maria, a 23-year-old woman from Mexico, spoke of the excitement of online friendships but also of the loneliness that comes from connections that are “not true and lasting relationships, but rather fleeting and often illusory.”
“How can we find true friendship and genuine love that will lead us to true hope? How can faith help us build our future?” she asked.
Pope Leo acknowledged the potential of the internet and social media as “an extraordinary opportunity for dialogue,” but warned that these tools “are misleading when they are controlled by commercialism and interests that fragment our relationships.”
Young pilgrims smile as they await the start of a prayer vigil with Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata in Rome Aug. 2, 2025, during the Jubilee of Youth. (Photo: CNS/Lola Gomez)
Drawing from his Augustinian spirituality, Pope Leo urged young people to emulate St. Augustine, who had a “restless youth, but he did not settle for less.”
“How did he find true friendship and a love capable of giving hope? By finding the one who was already looking for him, Jesus Christ,” the pope said. “How did he build his future? By following the one who had always been his friend.”
Gaia, a 19-year-old woman from Italy, asked how young people can find the courage to make choices amid uncertainty.
“To choose is a fundamental human act,” the pope responded. “When we make a choice, in the strict sense, we decide who we want to become.”
He encouraged young people to remember the
By Jenna MacDermant
It’s back to school season, and for most administrators that means prep work, planning, and oversight.
But for one super creative southern Indiana school superintendent, it also means turning school business into show business.
“I tell people all the time: ‘I can’t believe I get to do this as part of my job as a superintendent,’ ” he said. “I’m Mike Allen, the superintendent of Evansville Christian School, but I’m also known as ‘the parody principal.’”
For more than a decade in educational administration, Allen has written and produced elaborate YouTube videos performing popular song parodies to keep his students, parents, and staff informed and entertained.
“I try to choose ones that are fun and recognizable and that work for the story I’m trying to tell,” he said.
These include “Snow Days, Two Hour Delays” to the tune of “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” by New Kids on the Block, “Christmas Breaks” to the tune of “The Christmas Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late” by Alvin and the Chipmunks, “Spring Break” to the tune of “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan, and more.
While his videos provide the natural showman a creative outlet, Allen says the biggest reward is the engagement with his students and staff.
“It’s not separate from my work – it’s for my work,” he said. “It’s a part of what I believe is part of my role which is to encourage and inspire and affirm.”
By Currents News
Thousands of Catholic influencers gathered at the start of the Jubilee of Youth for a Vatican conference intended to help them understand their digital mission.
According to the influencers in attendance, the conference event for digital missionaries was full of high energy and a great community.
“[It’s] very exciting. My friends and I have been dancing to the theme song. It is so energetic; it’s so hype,” said Eliza Monts from the United States. “But [the Vatican] understands that we’re trying to go out to all the ends of the earth to share the Gospel and Jesus’s love. And they’re wanting to care for us and discipline us while we do that, which is really really amazing. I am just blown away by all the pastoral care they’ve given us in just a few hours.”
“It’s awesome, it’s awesome. God is here, and everybody has been experiencing his presence and the partnership and the fellowship. It’s amazing,” said Adriano Zandona from Brazil. “The events were intended to provide pastoral instruction and guidelines for Catholics in the digital influencing realm, as well as create a supportive Catholic community for those with an online presence.”
While the overall energy of the event was high, there were moments throughout the speeches that left the crowd emotional, feeling the significance of their work.
“It was just so moving,” said Father Columba Jordan, Franciscan of Renewal. “And I found myself toward the end of some of the earlier presentations almost weeping, well, no, I was weeping — [it’s] just like, ‘Wow, the significance of this moment.’ ”
The event opened the Jubilee of Youth, and the amount of influencers in attendance guaranteed that all people from around the world can experience the significance of this moment, whether in person or online.
By Currents News
Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance to the young people at the Jubilee of Youth.
Up to 120,000 people took part in the opening Mass of the Youth Jubilee — one of the most anticipated events of the year. Pope Leo’s presence was not expected until he decided to visit toward the end in the popemobile.
The pontiff went up to the altar to leave the crowd with these words: “Jesus tells us, ‘You are the salt of the earth, you are the lights of the world! And today, your voices, your enthusiasm, your shouts — which are all for Jesus Christ — will be heard to the ends of the earth!’ ”
He gave a final greeting in Italian and asked that his last message be echoed across the entire square:
“Let us hope that all of you will always be signs of hope in the world,” he said, “And our cry must also be for peace in the world. Let us all say: we want peace in the world. We want peace in the world. Let us pray for peace.”
Upon saying goodbye, he promised to see the young people again in Tor Vergata, at the Saturday night vigil.
By Carol Glatz and Currents News
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The time for negotiations to start is now, and anything jeopardizing peace must be rejected, Pope Leo XIV said.
“Every human person possesses an inherent dignity, bestowed by God himself,” he said after reciting the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square July 27. “I urge all parties involved in conflicts to recognize this dignity and to end every action that violates it.”
He called for “negotiations aimed at securing a future of peace for all peoples, and for the rejection of anything that might jeopardize it,” praying to Mary, the “Queen of Peace,” to protect “the innocent victims of conflicts and those leaders who have the power to resolve them.”
Pope Leo expressed his closeness to “all those who are suffering due to conflict and violence throughout the world,” particularly those in southern Syria and Gaza.
RELATED: Pope Urges Peace, Warns Against Escalation in Middle East Conflict
“I am following with great concern the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death,” he said. “I renew my heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the full respect of humanitarian law.”
He also expressed his prayers for “those affected by the clashes along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, especially displaced children and families. May the Prince of Peace inspire everyone to seek dialogue and reconciliation.”
Fighting broke out between the two Southeast Asian neighbors along a disputed border July 24, leading to the death of at least 32 people, including civilians. More than 200,000 people in both countries were evacuated or fled from their homes in the border areas, according to news reports.
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican July 27, 2025. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media)
By Currents News
A San Francisco teacher is back home after being stabbed on an Italian train.
The devout Catholic says his faith is now stronger than ever.
“I never saw my dad get emotional in my almost 30 years of life,” said Nicholas Pellegrino, who is relieved to be back home with his parents in Staten Island.
“When the nurses tell you that…I lost a liter and a half of blood and the human body contains about five or six…it’s a miracle that I’m here right now.”
Pellegrino was spending his summer vacation visiting relatives in Milan. On July 15, he was stabbed in the neck on a train.
“[It was the] left external jugular vein…It was only nicked, not fully severed,” he said. “That was the grace of God alone that ensured I’m here.”
The devout Catholic and religious studies teacher wears a crucifix necklace around his neck.
But since surviving, his faith is stronger than ever.
“The day after I was released from the hospital, I went right to one of the basilicas in town. I literally knelt on the floor and I just cried my eyes out in thanks,” Pellegrino said.
He is incredibly thankful to the support he’s received since his near bout with death.
A GoFundMe page created by a former student with an original goal of $5,000 has now exceeded that amount more than tenfold.
“These kids are really rooting for me, and saying, ‘Mr. P., we’re waiting for you to come back.’ The best option is to buoy forward, be a witness to what happened, and ensure justice is served to the perpetrators.”
Two of the men involved in the attack have been arrested.
Young pilgrims from Astoria, Queens are getting ready to head to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth — a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will unite teens from around the world.
While in Rome, Jubilee pilgrims will have the rare opportunity to venerate relics of two soon-to-be saints: Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
More than 500,000 young Catholics from over 146 countries will attend a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, marking the end of the Jubilee of Youth.
A Chicago parish has unveiled a mosaic of Blessed Carlo Acutis made from more than 1,000 toy pieces.
By Katie Vasquez and Paula Katinas
ASTORIA — Felicity Morel is about to embark on a summer trip to Rome, and like most travelers, she is busy deciding what to pack in her suitcase. However, unlike most, she is not a tourist, and her journey to the Eternal City is not a sightseeing trip.
Felicity, 17, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria, is one of 87 young people from the Diocese of Brooklyn who are taking part in a pilgrimage to Rome to be led by Bishop Robert Brennan.
Part of a year-long series of celebrations for the 2025 Jubilee, the Jubilee of Young People will take place from July 28 to Aug. 3.
RELATED: At Jubilee of Teenagers, Grief Is Mingled With Joyful Hope for Church’s Future
And excitement among the diocese’s pilgrims is building.
“I think I’m really excited to get away from the States, but also have this experience that I feel I’ve always wanted since I was a kid — going to the Vatican,” Felicity said. “I think that’s always been a dream of mine.”
On July 18, Felicity and other young people gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria to enjoy a celebratory barbecue and to learn more about the upcoming pilgrimage.
According to Dayonel Mejia, the church’s youth co-minister, the pilgrims from Our Lady of Mount Carmel are able to make the trip, which costs approximately $5,000 per person, thanks to fundraising efforts from food sales and raffles, as well as generous donations from benefactors.
Most of the 13 pilgrims making the journey are active in the church’s youth group or are altar servers, Mejia said. He is looking forward to serving as a chaperone.
“I think it’s a huge privilege for me … being able to help them jumpstart their faith journey at such a young age. It’s just an amazing privilege to be a part of,” he said.
The July 18 gathering included a quick lesson for the young people from Mejia on what to pack, in addition to clothes, for the pilgrimage. For example, he instructed them to pack adapters so they could charge their cell phones, as well as ponchos, in case the Eternal City is struck by rain.
The pilgrimage has all the makings of a memorable spiritual journey for the young participants who hail from several churches in the diocese, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church in South Ozone Park, St. Pancras Church in Glendale, the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Bensonhurst, St. Brigid Church in Bushwick, and St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst.
One church in the Archdiocese of New York, St. John Chrysostom in the Bronx, New York, is also sending a group on the pilgrimage being led by Bishop Brennan.
The diocese’s contingent will participate in many of the events associated with the Jubilee for Youth, as well as enrich themselves with other sights and sounds that are sure to help them grow closer to their faith, Mejia said.
One excursion the group has planned is to Assisi, where they intend to visit the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the late Italian teenager who Pope Leo XIV will canonize on Sept. 7.
The pilgrims will also visit the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as other cathedrals in Rome. And on Aug. 2, they will walk to the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where Pope Leo will lead an overnight vigil with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, and prayers. The Holy Father will celebrate the closing Mass of the Jubilee the following day at the same location.
The overnight vigil is one thing Felicity is looking forward to the most.
“I think that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “I think you don’t really get to have overnight vigils, at least I haven’t ever been, so I think that’s a really cool experience, especially with the new pope. And I’m super excited.”
While a few of the pilgrims eagerly talked about wanting to see the Vatican and other places, Azel Bermejo, 18, had a different take on the itinerary.
“I’m going to be honest with you, I haven’t seen it. I kind of want it all to be a surprise,” he explained. “When I get there, I see it all, and I’m surprised.”
The Jubilee might have another benefit, said Mejia, who noted that it could encourage young people to stay active in church past the age (post-confirmation) when many fall away from religion.
“I think there’s the statistic that after confirmation, church attendance and just church participation really drops off,” he explained. “So being able to offer them these kinds of experiences are really just little gems and little refueling points for them. It’s just such an amazing thing for us to be able to offer to them.”
The Catholic Church celebrates a jubilee approximately once every 25 years, with the last one taking place in 2000.
In 2022, the late Pope Francis declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year, announced the theme would be “Pilgrims of Hope,” and invited the world’s Catholics to embark on pilgrimages to Rome, repent for their sins, and deepen their faith.
RELATED: Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly
Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishioner Marco Valley, 17, said he is eager to see the Vatican with his own eyes.
“I’ve seen it in pictures and videos,” he added. “But I feel like it’s going to be way different when I’m there in person.”