Young pilgrims from Holy Land attend Jubilee of Youth in Rome

Holy Land pilgrims in St Peter's Square

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

A diverse group of young pilgrims-18 from Cyprus, 17 from Jordan, 24 from Jerusalem, and two from Bethlehem-journeyed to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, carrying with them the prayers of their people and the wounds of their homelands. With hearts open to encounter Christ, they crossed the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica not merely as pilgrims, but as witnesses to a hope that dares to shine in the midst of darkness. Each group was accompanied by devoted spiritual chaplains, guiding them along this path of faith and testimony.

It was a week of powerful spiritual encounters with fellow youth from the Middle East and across the world. For many, the Jubilee was a turning point on their journey of faith, revealing how alive and active the Spirit remains among today's youth.

At the Opening Mass in St Peter's Square, George Hazboun (24) and Laith Zoughbi (21) of Bethlehem carried the gifts during the offertory procession, a moving symbol of unity and purpose.

"It was an emotional experience," George said. "I felt like I was standing at the heart of the universal Church, offering gifts on the altar of hope. It strengthened my awareness that we are one Church, united in faith."

For Laith, it was transformative: "Despite distance and difference, we are united by one faith and one hope. I felt deeply close to God, proud to represent our people at the Vatican during such a momentous event."

"Praying for peace is not just a duty," George added, "it's a force that can truly make a difference. Despite anxiety and hardship, there is always hope, and God cares for us."

Laith echoed this message: "Hope is our true anchor. As youth, we are called to be light in the darkness and to build a better future through faith and love."

From Jordan, Dana Tannous, Deputy Secretary General of Christian Youth in Jordan, described crossing the Holy Door as "a passage into grace and renewal."

"The history of faith is alive in the churches of Rome," she said. "Being part of this global event was a living testimony to the unity of the Church, which brings together peoples around Jesus Christ the Adolescent King. Our presence was a message: hope lives on, and difference doesn't divide, it enriches."

Ghassan Asfour, Secretary General, added: "God never abandons us. He's present in the smallest details, reviving our hope when we open our hearts to Him."

Their presence, as youth from the land where Christ was born and baptized, became a source of strength and inspiration for others. "We are witnesses to a living faith," Ghassan said, "and we have a responsibility to remain steadfast and joyful, proclaiming this message with courage."

At the prayer vigil, Pope Leo XIV led the youth in song, Scripture, and Eucharistic Adoration. He answered questions on friendship, discernment, and encountering Christ. The following day, he celebrated the closing Mass of the Jubilee at Tor Vergata.

In his homily, the Pope invited the youth to recognize Christ knocking gently on the window of their soul: "Let us turn this thirst into a step stool, like children on tiptoe, peering through the window of encounter with God. Open wide your hearts, allow Him to enter, and set out on this adventure toward eternity." He reminded them that true hope is born from divine encounter, not illusions of comfort. His Holiness did not forget the youth of the countries faced with violence, during the Angelus of August 2nd he affirmed: "We are with the young people of Gaza, of Ukraine, and of every land bloodied by war. My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible - a world where conflicts are resolved not by weapons, but by dialogue."

George Hleis of the Latin Parish of Jerusalem reflected: "The vigil and Mass with Pope Leo were a special moment to receive his paternal blessing. What I take with me spiritually is this: it's beautiful to keep your heart open to the story of others."

Through all the testimonies, a single truth echoed: the Universal Church is united. Despite distances, we walk together on this earthly pilgrimage as diverse members of the living one Body of Christ.

As one pilgrim concluded: "Our presence, as youth from the Holy Land, was a source of hope. We are witnesses to a living faith - from the land where Christ was baptized and sent forth - and we are called to continue proclaiming this message with courage and joy."