Will Over Half a Million Young Pilgrims Visit Rome for the 'Youth Jubilee'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 500,000 young pilgrims expected.
- Events span from July 28 to August 3.
- Mass at St. Peter's Square led by Pope Leo XIV.
- Security measures in place for safety.
- Music and spiritual events at Tor Vergata.
Vatican City, July 30 (NationPress) An anticipated half a million young Catholics are set to join the Youth Jubilee, which commenced with a mass led by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square late Tuesday evening. Numerous young Catholics gathered at St. Peter's Square to witness the inaugural mass.
From July 28 to August 3, the Vatican and Rome will organize various events tailored for young Catholics from at least 146 nations. Reports from Euro News indicate that as many as 500,000 participants are expected to take part in these celebrations, culminating on the first Sunday of August at Rome's Tor Vergata.
A large hostel accommodating around 25,000 individuals has been established at the Fiera di Roma. Additionally, nearly 1,000 parishes, schools, and families will offer lodging and breakfast for the attendees. Other services for the pilgrims include discounted meal vouchers, shower facilities at major transport hubs, around 3,000 chemical toilets throughout the city, and upgrades to underground and regional train and bus services.
Security protocols have been implemented, with gates erected to block dangerous items from entering designated areas. Pilgrims are advised to bring only essential items to streamline security checks. A control room measuring 400 square meters will oversee the operation of surveillance cameras in event locations.
Participants will have the option to camp overnight on the lawn outside Tor Vergata as they await the Pope's morning mass on Sunday. Volunteers will distribute bottled water, and an app by municipal company Acea will offer a map to the 2,660 free water supply points across Rome.
Aside from the Pope's mass on Tuesday, Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle officiated a mass for Catholic influencers and digital missionaries. Numerous smaller events will occur throughout the city on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, the Circus Maximus will host a Day of Penance, providing 200 stations for pilgrims seeking confessions.
Saturday will be a day filled with music, as various groups will perform on stage at Tor Vergata. The setup includes 355 tents and gazebos, 2,400 square meters of video screens, 110 generators, 20 kilometers of fiber optics, and 15 kilometers of electrical cables.