Remember: You’re a pilgrim, not a tourist. That was the mantra adopted by pilgrims who travelled to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, where Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass with more than 1 million young people from around the world. For Melburnians who made the journey with the Archdiocesan pilgrimage group, the trip was one of adventure, surprise, growth, beauty and hope, as they reflect below.
The week begins with a surprise
To open the Jubilee of Youth, Archbishop Rino Fisichella (Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation) presided over Mass at St Peter’s Square, welcoming young people from all corners of the earth to the week-long celebration. As the sun set, pilgrims were treated to a surprise appearance by Pope Leo, who made his way through the crowds.
‘In my head, I already knew that he was going to be there, but I don’t think my heart was prepared,’ shared Faith Bui. ‘The excitement that bubbled up as he came past us crackled in the air … to be able to see him in person so soon after his appointment as Pope was amazing.’
‘As Pope Leo’s popemobile turned toward our corner, I faced a split-second decision—film the moment or live it,’ reflects Fr Jude Johnson. ‘I figured there’d be no shortage of videos ... but a selfie with the Pope? That’s once in a lifetime. So I went for it—and I don’t regret it one bit!’
During his impromptu appearance, Pope Leo encouraged pilgrims to pray for peace in the world.
‘Jesus tells us you are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world,’ Pope Leo told the crowds. ‘And today, your voices, your enthusiasm, your cheers, which are all for Jesus Christ, will be heard until the ends of the earth.’
‘Today … the world needs messages of hope. You are this message, and you must continue to give hope to everyone,’ Pope Leo said. ‘Let us walk together with our faith in Jesus Christ. And our shouts must also be for peace in the world … the peace of Jesus Christ, the light of the world that we are all seeking.’
Faith says tears welled up in her eyes upon hearing these words from the Pope. ‘There were tears, smiles and praise everywhere—the elation we felt from his greeting to us was palpable, and it truly was a wonderful start to the Jubilee of Youth Festival.’
Encountering Christ in the company of peers
The week-long celebration included workshops, talks, concerts and prayer experiences throughout the city. Streams of pilgrims made their way through Rome’s holy doors, an experience which evoked a sense of the divine, the pilgrims said.
‘There is a beauty about this basilica,’ said Julia Vu, describing St John Lateran. ‘Everything is in white as you enter, but then when you get to the back of the basilica, it is full of gold.’
‘It is like being transported to a different place ... a slice of heaven. It’s truly beautiful.’
Another pilgrim, Thomas Le, said that visiting Rome helped him to see that he is part of something bigger. ‘I really like that I was able to have some time with God,’ he said, ‘and to see why [visiting] the mother church connects each one of us in the Catholic community.
‘I hope that this pilgrimage helps me in future to stay closer to God.’
It wasn’t just the pilgrim sites that made an impact on the group, but also the conversations that inevitably took place along the way.
‘Being able to learn about each of their journeys was so fun,’ said Faith. ‘And being able to walk where the saints walked and pray as they did was an experience on a whole different level. Hearing about Carlo Acutis’ everyday life showed me what life could be like when you have reverence and love for God.
‘To know I’m not alone in my faith … that there are others from all around the world who were also there for Jesus. Seeing with my own eyes that the Church is not only alive but thriving.’
By the end of the week, Rome’s Tor Vergata neighbourhood had turned into a camping site as more than a million pilgrims gathered for a prayer vigil and Mass with Pope Leo.
‘Seeing the sheer number of Catholic youth [was] so moving,’ recalled Faith.
During the evening vigil, Pope Leo offered his reflections to questions posed by young people from around the world. The Holy Father spoke of cultivating a friendship with Christ, and drew upon the example of his beloved St Augustine whose youth was restless but who ‘did not settle for less’.
‘He did not silence the cry of his heart,’ said the Holy Father. ‘Augustine sought the truth, the truth that does not disappoint and the beauty that does not fade. And how did he find it? How did he find true friendship and a love capable of giving hope? By finding the one who was already looking for him, by finding Jesus Christ.
‘How did he build his future? By following the one who had always been his friend.’
‘Faith is contagious’
‘Gathering with so many Catholics from different nations has been incredibly special,’ shared Brigid Vereker. ‘I’ve been able to witness countless expressions of God in many different ways and languages. Being part of something greater has instilled a renewed sense of purpose and belonging in my life.’
Listening to Pope Leo’s reflections was ‘deeply inspiring’, said Brigid. ‘[The Pope] has a unique ability to speak truth, life, and hope in a way that resonates with everyone, especially the youth.’
‘During the vigil, he said, “Do not be afraid to dream big and to be the light that guides others toward a brighter future”. This message deeply resonated with me, filling me with a strong sense of encouragement and anticipation for positive change and future growth.’
The pilgrimage has also offered a renewed sense of hope for Fr Jude. ‘It reminded me that joy, faith, and friendship are not extras in the spiritual life—they are essentials.’ He described concelebrating the final Mass with Pope Leo as the ‘icing on the cake’.
‘That wasn’t just special, it was grace made visible. Moments like these don’t just inspire—they anchor us’, he said. ‘Like the Jubilee’s logo, we are held fast by hope. God is with His Church. God is with the young. And that gives me great hope.’
‘I witnessed young hearts burning with love for God—fully engaged in the liturgy, open in prayer, and bold in sharing their God moments,’ said Fr Jude. ‘Their faith wasn’t just spoken; it was alive. And that kind of faith is contagious.’
‘We came as a group of pilgrims; we leave as lifelong companions in faith.’
Banner image: Pope Leo XIV carries the Jubilee Cross as he walks to the altar before the start of a prayer vigil with young people gathered in Tor Vergata in Rome on 2 August 2025, during the Jubilee of Youth. (Photo: CNS/Lola Gomez.)
