Pope Leo Tells One Million Young People at 'Catholic Woodstock' to Seek Justice and Serve the Poor
Today's event made clear, for the first time ever, that the most powerful American isn't a president, celebrity, or billionaire — it’s the pope.
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The multi-part deep dive into Pope Leo’s life and formation
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Part IV (published Sunday) explores Pope Leo’s 20-year friendship with Pope Francis.
Part V (published Wednesday) profiles his closest cardinal confidant, Luis Antonio Tagle.
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Today made it clear that Pope Leo is the most influential American in the world.
The first American pontiff was greeted like a rock star by over a million young Catholics at a sprawling vigil in Rome’s Tor Vergata field, dubbed the “Catholic Woodstock.”
The vibrant event, part of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year Jubilee of Youth, culminated in an open-air prayer vigil that saw pilgrims from 146 countries pour into the 500,000-square-meter site, their cheers erupting as the pope arrived dramatically by helicopter.
The 69-year-old pontiff, born in Chicago and a former missionary in Peru, captivated the crowd with his call to action: serve the poor.
“Dear young people, Jesus is the friend who always accompanies us in the formation of our conscience. If you truly want to encounter the Risen Lord, then listen to his word, which is the Gospel of salvation. Reflect on your way of living, and seek justice in order to build a more humane world. Serve the poor, and so bear witness to the good that we would always like to receive from our neighbours”
His words resonated deeply with the under-30 crowd, many navigating economic uncertainty, climate crises, and global conflicts. Pilgrims like Samarei Semos, 29, from Belize, who traveled three days to attend, expressed hope that Leo would amplify the struggles of “third world countries.”
The atmosphere was electric, with Christian rock concerts, inspirational talks, and makeshift confessionals dotting the field. Young Catholics, some from war-torn regions like Syria and Ukraine, sang hymns and danced under the Roman sun, cooled by misting trucks.
Leo’s message built on his earlier address to Catholic influencers, where he cautioned against the “frivolity” of online encounters and emphasized love over digital clout. His call to serve the poor echoed his predecessor Pope Francis’ social justice legacy.
As he looped through the crowd in his popemobile, the pontiff’s beaming smile reflected the hope he inspired.
Amid the turmoil we feel stateside, it's a refreshing reminder that America still produces some of the world's greatest exports—this time, a pope.
Letters from Leo exist solely because of your generosity. If you find value in my work, please become a paid subscriber today.
Subscriptions start at just $6.67/month, and include full access to:
My ongoing series on Faith and the Democratic Party
The multi-part deep dive into Pope Leo’s life and formation
The latest installments:
Part IV (published Sunday) explores Pope Leo’s 20-year friendship with Pope Francis.
Part V (published Wednesday) profiles his closest cardinal confidant, Luis Antonio Tagle.
Do you prefer a one-time gift? Donate here instead of subscribing.
Great messages. I wish more in the US understood how helping others abroad is good for EVERYONE. Here’s my contribution to that effort:
https://shalyn8.substack.com/p/4-reasons-destroying-foreign-aid
Christopher, this piece hums with something rare—political clarity braided with spiritual awe.
Framing Pope Leo not as a celebrity, but as the most powerful American on the world stage, says more about our moral hunger than any election ever could. In a moment saturated with influencers chasing clout, Leo shows up with a cross on his shoulder and a call to serve the poor.
That image—a million young people erupting as the pope arrives by helicopter—feels like a parable in real time. A Catholic Woodstock, yes, but also a generational plea: give us someone who doesn't flinch from justice.
You didn’t just report on a vigil. You captured a pivot. And maybe, a beginning.