Pope Leo XIV told Catholic youth at mass that they are a sign that a different world is possible

Pope Leo XIV told more than a million Catholic youth at the Vatican today, at the closing mass of a Sunday meeting with the next generation of believers, that they are "a sign that a different world is possible in which conflicts can be resolved through dialogue, not weapons."

The special "Jubilee of Youth" celebration is part of a Holy Year that is expected to draw 32 million people to the Vatican for pilgrimage. The Vatican said more than a million young people were present on Sunday, along with 7.000 priests and 450 bishops.

In his closing blessing for the Jubilee of Youth, Leo remembered the young people from Gaza, Ukraine and other countries at war who were unable to join in their celebration. "We are closer than ever to young people who suffer from the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings," he said.

During today's homily, Leo urged participants to "spread the enthusiasm and witness of their faith" when they return home to some 150 countries. "My young brothers and sisters, you are a sign that a different world is possible. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue," he said.

The Pope reminded those gathered that their next meeting will be during World Youth Day, scheduled for August 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea.

The Pope also shared tragic news on Saturday: two young people traveling on a pilgrimage to Rome have died, while a third has been hospitalized.