Less than a month to start the jubilee of young people, the diocese of the last Pope preparations to welcome the tens of thousands of young people from all over the world who will participate in this great ecclesial party.
An event of great ecclesial and spiritual draft. “Young people will not live again in their lives. I am sure. It will be in practice as a World Youth Day,” explains Fr. Alfredo Tedesco, director of the Youth Pastoral of Rome, Diocese host and, therefore, a reference point for the pilgrims who arrive.
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The Italian priest was an 18 -year -old who could participate in the jubilee of the year 2000 with San Juan Pablo II: “For our generation it was an indelible brand. For them, it can be a new beginning.”
The true great challenge for the Diocese of Rome is being the accommodation. The parishes of Rome and 10 dioceses of the Lacio region, those closest to the Italian capital, “are already mobilized to host young pilgrims in their structures,” he explains. In addition, also the religious institutes of the lace closest to Rome “have put their grain of sand.”
However, adapting these places has been a complex task: “We have had to condition these places. It has been necessary to add bathrooms and showers, ensure breakfast service, organize the arrival of the groups, distribute the pilgrims kits and coordinate transport.”
In addition, Italian Civil Protection has also made 400 state schools and structures available to deal with this need, “especially gyms with enabled bathrooms,” says Fr. Tedesco.
According to the preliminary estimates that the diocese manages, some 120,000 young people will remain in Rome throughout the week that lasts the event, that is, from July 28 to August 3. Although many others will go through the capital only to participate in some of the planned events.
“Registration is still open, and the number is growing”
One of the crucial moments of the Jubilee of Young will be the prayer vigil chaired by Pope Leo XIV in Tor Vergata, which will be preceded by some testimonies and musical concerts. It is a very extensive zone located on the Sudoriental periphery of Rome, mainly known for housing one of the main universities of the Italian capital.
“The inscriptions remain open, and the number is growing. Some speak even of one million people. But we do not know if that figure will be reached. The official data is dictated for evangelization, the main organizer of the event,” says the Italian priest.
Since young people will sleep in the same place as the encounter, logistics for that time has been simplified for the Diocese of Rome: “We have no concern to have to accommodate them elsewhere for that night.”
The young people’s jubilee program, promoted by the Dicasterio for Evangelization – responsible for the General Organization of the Holy Year of Hope – is still in the definition phase in its last details.
However, According to the official website of the Jubileo, Several outstanding activities have already been confirmed. On Tuesday, July 29, at 6:00 p.m. (local time), a welcome mass will be held in the Plaza de San Pedro. In the following days, Rome will host numerous cultural, artistic and spiritual initiatives distributed throughout the capital under the title “Dialogues with the city.”
On Friday, August 1, it will be the penitential day, which will be held in the Maximum Circus, where young people can receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
On Saturday, August 2, all participants will move to Tor Vergata. Finally, on Sunday, August 3, the Pontiff will celebrate a Mass at 9:30, before saying goodbye to the young pilgrims who will take the way back to their countries.
4,000 young volunteers to serve pilgrims
In any case, the definitive number of registered is still evolving. To them are added about 4,000 volunteers from the parishes of Rome and the Lacio region, which will donate their time and their capabilities to welcome, in the best possible way, the pilgrims.
As for the origin, Fr. Tedesco points out a notable European majority: “France, Spain, Poland, Germany … and many even east of Europe, despite the war. This will also be a sign of peace.”
Strong presence of Latin America
In addition, there will be a strong presence from Latin America and the United States. “Let’s not forget that we now have an American Pope,” he emphasizes. “That has also encouraged participation from the United States, where there is great veneration by the two young saints who will be canonized in September,” explains the priest.
Asian participation, although more limited, will be significant. “We will have an important Korean delegation – milks, two thousand, perhaps three thousand young people – which is not little, considering the distance. In addition, the next WYD will be in Seoul, so they are very motivated,” he adds.
Regarding Africa, the situation is more delicate: “Some countries have not been able to send delegations due to visa, diplomats or conflicts problems. There will be African, but not so numerous representation. The Dicastery and the Holy See have made efforts to facilitate some visas.”
Victoria Cardiel
Victoria Cardiel is a journalist specialized in social and religious information issues. Since 2013, he has covered all the news of the Vatican for various media, such as the Spanish news agency Europa Press, or the weekly of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Alfa and Omega.