Vatican City, January 10, 2026 – Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with the youth of Rome today, Saturday, January 10, at 5:00 PM in the Paul VI Audience Hall. This significant gathering takes place mere days before the official conclusion of the Jubilee, marked by the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of the Epiphany.
A Moment of Joy and Reflection for Roman Youth
The Vicarate of Rome announced the event, highlighting the broad participation expected from various youth groups. These include children attending catechism classes, members of parish groups, Catholic movements and associations, Catholic sports societies, as well as students, university students, and those living in diocesan colleges.
Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, who initially announced the meeting during a prayer vigil on November 21, renewed the invitation in a letter to priests. He emphasized the importance of this encounter, stating, “It will be a precious and joyful moment for which I invite you to encourage the participation of the young people of your parishes, urging them to live it as an important opportunity to listen to the words of our Bishop.”
Significance of the Meeting Ahead of Jubilee’s End
This meeting holds particular significance as it occurs on the cusp of the Jubilee’s official closing. The Jubilee, a Holy Year of grace and pilgrimage, draws to a close, and the Pope’s address to the youth offers a final opportunity for reflection and encouragement as the Church transitions from this period of spiritual renewal.
The event underscores the Pope’s ongoing commitment to engaging with younger generations, providing guidance and inspiration for their faith journey. The Paul VI Audience Hall is set to be filled with an eager audience, ready to receive the pontiff’s message.
The Jubilee 2025: A Retrospective
The Jubilee 2025, which officially concludes with the closing of the Holy Door, has been a year of spiritual significance for millions of pilgrims who have visited Rome. Throughout the year, numerous events and celebrations have taken place, drawing faithful from around the globe to the Eternal City. The closing of the Holy Door symbolizes the end of this special period of grace and the return to ordinary time.
Looking Ahead: The Pope’s Continued Engagement with Youth
While the Jubilee concludes, the Church’s mission to engage and nurture its youth continues. This meeting with Roman adolescents and young people serves as a testament to Pope Leo XIV’s dedication to fostering faith and community among the younger members of the Church, setting a positive tone for their future involvement and commitment.
The event is expected to be a memorable occasion, providing a final, powerful message to the youth of Rome as the city and the Church reflect on the spiritual fruits of the Jubilee year and look forward to new beginnings.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/it/papa/news/2025-12/papa-leone-xiv-incontra-i-giovani-di-roma-10-gennaio-2026.html
