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教皇は記念行事の主催者たちにこう語った。「ローマにこれほどの歓待を示してくださり、感謝します」
The Pope told the partners of the anniversary celebrations: "Thank you for showing Rome such hospitality."
In the Paul VI Audience Hall, Pope Leo XIV started his Saturday morning by greeting all the authorities, as well as members of civil and ecclesial institutions who contributed to the celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope. Specifically, the Pope expressed his gratitude to the Italian government, security forces, and all the Dicasteries involved, along with many others.
These organizations and institutions, he explained, “offered a multifaceted contribution, often hidden, always demanding and full of responsibility, thanks to which more than thirty million pilgrims were able to undertake the Jubilee journey”.
Hope is a part of being a pilgrim
These visits to the Holy Doors and tombs of the Apostles were tangible experiences of a hope that does not disappoint. Pope Leo highlighted how St. Augustine wrote that “hope is necessary in the condition of pilgrims”, and these volunteers made it possible for visitors to rediscover hope.
In particular, the Holy Father emphasized the large number of young people who travelled to the Eternal City from all corners of the world. He described their witness as beautiful because they were “so different from one another, yet united and orderly (also thanks to your precious service!)”
Pope Leo greets some of the Jubilee volunteers and collaborators (@Vatican Media)
Everyone, he argued, has a responsibility to these young people and their future. So, he encouraged the volunteers to ask themselves in the light of the Jubilee experience: What do these young people truly need? Where can they discover true answers to the deepest questions they have in their hearts?
It is important for them to have good role models to whom they can look for guidance on the path to holiness. For instance, they can look to the examples of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis.
May the seeds of hope grow
In the Bull of Indiction at the opening of the Holy Door in 2024, Pope Francis made an appeal to hope in these words: “Let us allow ourselves to be drawn even now by hope, and let us allow it to become contagious through us for all who long for it.”
Over a year later, his successor Pope Leo, reiterated that call—let it be the “mandate we carry with us, as a fruitful continuation of the work accomplished”, so that the good seeds that have been placed on our hearts can continue to grow.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella also expressed his appreciation to the various groups that helped realize the Holy Year (@Vatican Media)
Concluding, the Holy Father presented the volunteers with “a small sign of gratitude, the Jubilee Crucifix: a miniature of the cross with the glorious Christ that accompanied the pilgrims.” He offered it as a reminder of the unique experience they have just completed.
“I bless you and wish you every good for this new year. Thank you!”