EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Fifty young people from the Catholic Diocese of El Paso took part in a pilgrimage to Rome this summer.
They joined more than 1 million youth from around the world in Rome for the 2025 Jubilee for Youth event.
It marks the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Jesus.
El Paso youth and young adults traveled to the Eternal City for a 10-day spiritual journey,
embracing the opportunity to deepen their faith through prayer, community, and cultural exchange, the Diocese said.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the El Paso delegation visited significant holy sites, including walking
through the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica and several other historic churches, such as the Cathedral in Florence.
“The El Paso delegation had a truly unique and inspiring experience. They attended a Mass and an intimate speaking engagement with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. The Mass was held at St. Pius V Catholic Church near the Vatican and provided a reflective space for the youth to connect more deeply with their faith. After the liturgy, Cardinal Tagle shared a heartfelt message about the importance of hope, service, and the role of young people in shaping the future of the Church,” the Diocese said in a news release.
The week culminated in a vigil and overnight gathering on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Tor Vergata. On Sunday morning, Aug. 3, the youth participated in a special Mass celebrated by Pope Leo
XIV.
The El Paso pilgrims had the unforgettable experience of seeing the Holy Father as he greeted the crowds at the close of the celebration, the Diocese said.
Before returning home, the group will make a final pilgrimage to Assisi on Tuesday, Aug. 5, to visit sites dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.
They are scheduled to return to El Paso on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
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