• Up to one million young Catholics are expected to attend a vigil led by Pope Leo XIV in Rome.
• The "Jubilee of Youth" celebration draws young pilgrims eager to hear the Pope's message.
• Events include confession sessions with over 1,000 priests and performances by multiple bands.
• The atmosphere is festive despite challenges with crowds and hot weather conditions.
• Local Romans express mixed feelings about the event, balancing inconvenience with celebration.

On Saturday, August 2, up to a million young Catholic believers gathered for an evening vigil led by Pope Leo XIV, the highlight of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, which draws participants aged 18 to 35 from around the globe. This event marks Pope Leo's first significant engagement with young Catholics since he took office three months ago, and it celebrates a significant milestone in the Holy Year, where an estimated 32 million people will participate in various events throughout the year, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, CBS News, and Dawn.

As participants nestled into the Tor Vergata area with blankets and tarpaulins, the excitement was palpable. Many young pilgrims had traveled for days to join the celebration, with temperatures rising to near 30 degrees Celsius. Activities included singing hymns and band performances, creating a lively atmosphere akin to a festival. Francisco Michel, a pilgrim from Mexico, described it as a unique experience for spiritual growth, while Chloe Jobbour, a participant from Lebanon, noted the delightful chaos of the event, reflecting on the shared joy among attendees, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, CBS News, and Dawn.

The preparations included numerous events across Rome during the week, like confession available in multiple languages, showcasing a diverse gathering, as more than 146 countries were represented. One poignant moment came with the tragic news of an Egyptian pilgrim's death due to cardiac arrest, leading Pope Leo to express his condolences to her family amidst the celebrations, highlighting the communal aspect of both joy and sorrow present in such gatherings, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and CBS News.

Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the influx of youth in Rome; while some found the celebration chaotic and inconvenient—especially regarding public transport—others embraced the vibrant enthusiasm that the young pilgrims brought. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the pilgrims and recognized the event as a festival of faith and joy. An estimate of 4,000 security personnel was deployed to ensure safety and order during the gathering, a move appreciated by both pilgrims and residents, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, CBS News, and Dawn.