The Holy See Press Office hosted a conference Tuesday to unveil the “Manifesto of Young Christians of Europe,” a bold initiative launched by a group of young Catholics aiming to revive Europe’s Christian identity.
Newsroom (03 July 2025, Gaudium Press ) –The Holy See Press Office hosted a conference Tuesday to unveil the “Manifesto of Young Christians of Europe,” a bold initiative launched by a group of young Catholics aiming to revive Europe’s Christian identity. The project, titled Rome ’25 – The Way of St. James (Santiago de Compostela) ’27 – Jerusalem ’33, outlines a spiritual journey that will unfold over nearly a decade, combining pilgrimages, evangelization, and renewal to “restore the soul of Europe,” as inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Spes Non Confundit.
The initiative seeks to inspire young Europeans to rediscover the “beauty, truth, and love of Christ” amid a continent grappling with secularism and disillusionment. The manifesto will be formally proclaimed on August 1, 2025, at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, marking the start of a pilgrimage route that will continue to Santiago de Compostela in 2027 and culminate in Jerusalem in 2033. The project aligns with the pastoral mission of the Dicastery for Evangelization and serves as a cornerstone for the upcoming Jubilee of Youth.
A Movement for All
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, described the manifesto not as a singular event but as a dynamic movement designed to resonate with young Europeans. “This is about speaking to the heart of a generation, inviting them to rediscover faith in a way that is vibrant and relevant,” Bruni said during the press conference.
Bishop Mikel Garciandia of Palencia, Spain, underscored the urgency of the initiative, calling it a “genesis” for a renewed Christian Europe. “We are planting a seed that must grow to see a continent truly rooted in faith,” he said, emphasizing the need for widespread engagement to achieve the project’s vision.
Father Antonio Ammirati, Secretary General of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, echoed Pope Francis’ call to action: “Do not just be tourists, but put on the sandals of pilgrims.” He highlighted the hope and energy among today’s youth, noting their readiness to embrace this spiritual challenge. Similarly, Reverend Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo framed pilgrimage as an active response to faith: “Following Christ means movement, not stillness. This journey is a call to walk with purpose.”
Archbishop Francisco José Prieto Fernández of Santiago de Compostela invoked the words of Pope St. John Paul II, urging young people to heed the Lord’s call and embrace the pilgrimage as a transformative encounter with faith.
A Generation Seeking Meaning
Fernando Moscardó Vegas, the young spokesperson for the Rome ’25 – Santiago ’27 – Jerusalem ’33 International Committee, articulated the manifesto’s roots in a generational quest for purpose. “Christ is alive, and Europe can find its soul if it listens,” Vegas said, quoting St. Augustine: “Lord, you made us for you, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” He described the manifesto as a bold call to faith from a generation unafraid to seek deeper meaning.
Vegas emphasized that the initiative is more than a campaign—it is a “prophetic and missionary revolution” aimed at sparking a profound return to Christ. Drawing inspiration from Mary’s fiat, the project adopts the “spiritual sword” as a symbol of Europe’s renewed faith, pointing toward heaven and inviting young people to find wholeness in Christ.
As the Young Christians of Europe prepare for their journey, their manifesto stands as both a challenge and an invitation: to rediscover faith, to walk with purpose, and to transform a continent through the enduring hope of the Gospel.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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