Archbishop Fisichella:

Holy Father, thank you very much! Especially for this meeting, which you wanted to be very informal. The presenters, actresses and actors who will enliven the event at Tor Vergata in the afternoon are present. They will begin around 15.00, and until your arrival with the beginning of the Vigil, they will entertain our young people who are already on their way; some have already arrived. Thank you very much for this moment, which we desired such a lot. Thank you!

Holy Father:

Thank you! Good morning to you all, and thank you for so many things. I wanted to have this little, let’s say familiar, meeting with you right this morning, aware of the beauty, the art, the music, of all your talents that you offer to this great public we have in Rome in these days. More than half a million, they say, perhaps a million young people, who have come from so many countries in the world. For me it is a privilege, it is a blessing to be able to participate in this mission, in this service, as Bishop of Rome, as Holy Father, knowing above all the faith, enthusiasm and joy we share, and which gives a voice to what we have in our hearts, and which is above all the desire to find happiness, joy and love; to experience faith also with the gifts the Lord has given us: music, dance and many artistic forms that you will share this afternoon with the young people. It is truly a gift for us all and for the entire Church, and I thank you sincerely. Thank you for this moment, and I ask God to bless you all and help you to accompany these young people who have a great need to find the true joy, the true happiness that we all find in Jesus Christ. Best wishes to you, and many thanks!

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 2 August 2025