Attending the Jubilee of Young People: A Renewed Sense of Hope and Friendship
By Elena Visoso, Young Adult, St. John The Baptist Parish, Silver Spring, MD
From July 28 to August 3, 2025, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Rome, Italy and participate in the Jubilee of Young People. The group I traveled with consisted of several Latino/Hispanic young adults from different states within the US, as well as a group from the island of Puerto Rico. I didn’t know anyone before going, but that is what made the experience more exciting.
The week was physically intense. We would spend hours walking and standing under the sun’s heat, but all of that was nothing compared to all the graces and blessings I have received since going on this pilgrimage. Seeing all the beautiful artwork, statues, and designs of each of the basilicas and churches was breathtaking. One couldn’t help but wonder about how many pilgrims have passed through those doors, walked the same paths, and what stories they carried with them, each one with a hope and desire to strengthen their faith life and relationship with God.
Some of my favorite moments consisted of quick conversations exchanged with other pilgrims. Similar to World Youth Day, several pilgrims brought little items from home, such as stickers, prayer cards, bracelets, or pins with their flag, and they gifted or traded them with each other. It was fun trying to communicate despite not having a common language and learning new dance moves or words to a hymn in another language.
As someone who is bilingual, in both Spanish and English, it was beautiful to hear and witness Pope Leo XIV seamlessly transition between English, Spanish, and Italian, as it reflects how I often think or speak in my day-to-day life. During the Prayer Vigil at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo XIV said: “Dear young people, love one another! Love one another in Christ! Know how to see Jesus in others. Friendship can truly change the world. Friendship is a path to peace.” These words truly struck me. Seeing Jesus in others, and trying to create friendships seems very hard nowadays, especially in a world that so often feels like it's in a constant state of hatred and despair. I hope to continue carrying this torch of hope and friendship with me, in my parish, in my community, and in every place I visit. Will you join me, fellow pilgrim?