Pope Leo XIV inspires Palestinian youth and pilgrims with hope and unity at a vibrant Vatican audience, embracing the sick and celebrating resilience.
Newsroom (02/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Amid the vibrant atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV welcomed a diverse group of pilgrims at Wednesday’s General Audience, with a poignant encounter involving 51 young Palestinians from the Youth of Jesus in Palestine (YJHP). Wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “From Palestine, We Come with Hope,” the group shared their aspirations and challenges with the Pontiff, marking a significant moment during their Jubilee of Youth.
The YJHP, a movement uniting children, adolescents, and youth groups from the parishes of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, expressed pride in their identity and mission. “Today, we are not only proud to be young people from the Holy Land, but we feel like an integral part of this world,” they told Pope Leo XIV. Accompanied by Father Luis Salman, pastor of Beit Sahour, and Father Abdallah Dababneh, vocations director for the Patriarchate, the group was unable to attend the World Youth Day in Tor Vergata in August due to visa delays for Jordan. Instead, they celebrated their Jubilee in St. Peter’s Square, finding solace and strength in the Pope’s presence.
Faten Isayed, YJHP’s general secretary, spoke of resilience amid hardship: “We are young men and women full of hope, and that makes us strong despite our suffering. We want to stay in the Holy Land because it is the land of Jesus, and we feel this is our mission, especially in this painful and tragic moment.” She emphasized their commitment to upholding a legacy of faith, service, and dedication to their community.
A Warm Embrace for the Sick and Disabled
The audience began in Paul VI Hall, where Pope Leo XIV greeted 250 sick and disabled pilgrims from Germany, accompanied by the Order of Malta. His heartfelt embrace and blessings brought comfort to those present. In St. Peter’s Square, the Pope paused to bless a remarkable replica of the Lourdes Basilica, crafted from over 1.5 million wheat stalks by artisans from Campocavallo di Osimo for their traditional Covo festival. He also met with a delegation led by Mayor Michela Glorio and Archbishop Angelo Spina of Ancona-Osimo.
Celebrating the “Wooden Medal”
The Pope received a copy of Quarti di gloria: Storie a un passo dal podio (Fourth Place Glory: Stories One Step from the Podium), a book by journalists Serena Sartini and Gerardo De Vivo. The volume highlights the value of fourth-place finishes in sports, particularly at the Olympics, featuring stories of athletes like Novak Djokovic, who faced setbacks before winning gold in 2024. A chapter dedicated to Athletica Vaticana, the Holy See’s official sports association, underscores the theme of perseverance. “Fourth place is often portrayed as a failure, overlooking the immense effort and high-level performance,” Sartini noted. De Vivo added, “Some athletes bounce back quickly, while for others, the next opportunity comes after four years at the next Olympics.”
A Personal Touch from the World of Sports
In a lighthearted moment, former U.S. baseball star Mike Sweeney, now active in social causes, gifted Pope Leo XIV a personalized baseball bat inscribed with “Leo XIV” and a jersey bearing “Pope Leo XIV” with the number 267, symbolizing his place as the 267th successor of St. Peter. The gesture underscored the universal appeal of the Pope’s message, bridging faith and culture.
Honoring Faith and Reason
The audience also saw Pope Leo XIV greet winners and jury members of the “Razón Abierta” Prize, organized by the Ratzinger Foundation and the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, accompanied by Father Federico Lombardi. A group of Indian nuns from Tamil Nadu, belonging to the Congregation of the Servants of Mary Immaculate, expressed deep emotion as the Pope addressed Tamil-speaking pilgrims in English, recognizing their work in education.
The General Audience, rich with encounters and symbolic gestures, reflected Pope Leo XIV’s mission to inspire hope, resilience, and unity among the faithful, from the youth of Palestine to athletes and pilgrims worldwide.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form Vatican News
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