Pope Leo XIV made an unexpected appearance at a major youth event in Vatican City on Tuesday, delighting over 120,000 young Catholics gathered for the Holy Year celebration.
The pope’s surprise visit came at the end of an evening Mass in St. Peter’s Square, marking the opening of the Jubilee of Youth — a week of events welcoming young Catholic pilgrims from across the globe.
Emerging in his popemobile, Pope Leo circled the square and traveled along the surrounding streets as crowds erupted in cheers.
Pilgrims, many waving flags and singing, welcomed the pope with great excitement.
His appearance was unannounced, and his presence brought a wave of energy and joy among the young attendees, some of whom had waited all day for the kickoff celebration.
From the altar, Pope Leo greeted the crowd briefly in a mix of languages including English, Spanish, and Italian.
He encouraged the youth to bring positivity and peace to the world, calling them a vital part of the global Catholic community.
The pope, the first from the United States, was originally scheduled to meet the youth groups later in the week.
His planned appearances include a Saturday night vigil and a Sunday Mass, which are expected to draw even larger crowds as the celebration builds.
Earlier in the day, Catholic influencers — including priests, nuns, and laypeople active on social media — walked through the basilica’s Holy Door, a traditional act during the Vatican’s Holy Year.
The event is part of the wider 2025 Holy Year observances, which are expected to involve around 32 million pilgrims in total.
Rome’s city center has been filled with youthful energy, as groups from Catholic schools, scout troops, and church communities continue to arrive.
By the weekend, their numbers could reach up to 500,000, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for faith and unity.