Jubilee of Youth a "Spiritually Transformative Pilgrimage"

From July 23 to August 5, 2025, 100 young adults from the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Diocese of London, guided by two priests from Toronto and one priest from London, went on pilgrimage to Italy for the Jubilee of Youth.

This spiritually transformative pilgrimage took them through the sacred cities of Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome, tracing the footsteps of the saints and deepening their Catholic identity. Highlights included prayer and reflection at the tomb of St. Mark the Evangelist in Venice, St. Anthony’s tomb in Padua, and St. Clare and St. Francis’ holy sites in Assisi, including Blessed Carlo Acutis’ resting place. In Florence, pilgrims climbed the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, experiencing both the grandeur of the Faith and the effort of the ascent—both physically and spiritually.

In Rome, pilgrims participated in the Opening Mass of the Jubilee and were blessed to be within ten meters of the Holy Father, who joyfully surprised the crowd in his popemobile. Pilgrims passed through the four Jubilee Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls, also visiting the Mamertine Prison, deepening their connection to the early Church and the apostolic witness.

At Circus Maximus, many received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, followed by a Prayer Vigil and Sunday Mass at Tor Vergata, concelebrated by over 1,000 priests and attended by more than one million youth and young adults from around the world. Pope Leo XIV’s homily emphasized that this gathering of youth in Christ’s name is proof that “a better world is possible.” His words, filled with hope and challenge, moved hearts and lifted pilgrims to a higher spiritual awareness.

Throughout the pilgrimage, the pilgrims demonstrated a profound sense of communion, daily Mass, charity and mutual care. Many described this journey as a life-changing encounter with the Risen Lord, supported by the joyful witness of fellow pilgrims. Testimonies included the rediscovery of authentic life in Christ, gratitude for shared vulnerability and renewed zeal for mission.