One of the most iconic moments of the Great Jubilee in 2000, the first of the new millennium, was undoubtedly the World Youth Day in Rome.
That August, two million young pilgrims came to Rome to meet Pope John Paul II at an event he had announced three years earlier in Paris.
“The word was made flesh, and dwelt amongst us” was the theme chosen for the meeting that culminated that weekend at Tor Vergata – a large area on the eastern outskirts of the capital.
At the Vigil Pope John Paul II urged young people not to accept the injustices of the world, to defend peace, and to affirm their “yes” to Christ as the center of their ideals and the path to happiness:
“Dear young people of the century now beginning, saying ‘yes’ to Christ, say ‘yes’ to all your noblest ideals. I pray that he will reign in your hearts and in all of humanity in the new century and the new millennium. Have no fear of entrusting yourselves to him!”
The district was flooded with young people, hailing from some 157 countries. A sight not seen before. The Italian press nicknamed them “papa boys.”
The gathering quickly evolved into a generational event that defined the Holy Year.
EWTN News Journalist and Producer Matteo Ciofi was there, “I was 13 years old, and I waited for the arrival of the Pope on Saturday evening. I remember this sea of people continually walking under the window where I lived, not far from Tor Vergata. I certainly had the feeling of experiencing something historic; I had never seen so many people together in my life, and the next morning, for the final Mass, I went back again.”
The following day the Youth cheered as Pope John Paul II made his way through the packed event in the popemobile.
In his homily, he focused on the value of the Eucharist, encouraging the young pilgrims to make it the center of their personal and community lives:
“Set the Eucharist at the centre of your personal life and community life: love the Eucharist, adore the Eucharist and celebrate it, especially on Sundays, the Lord’s Day. Live the Eucharist by testifying to God’s love for every person.”
The now saint also asked the youth to keep vigilant in their faith, saying:
“When you return home, do not grow lax. Reinforce and deepen your bond with the Christian communities to which you belong. From Rome, from the City of Peter and Paul, the Pope follows you with affection and, paraphrasing Saint Catherine of Siena’s words, reminds you: ‘If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!’”
After this great jubilee event, Tor Vergata underwent major development, including building a university, a hospital and other facilities, putting this area on the map.
A place that welcomed back other young people, eager to draw closer to Christ, in memory of John Paul II and that incredible weekend in 2000.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein. Camera by Alberto Basile; Video edited by Ilaria Chimenti; Special thanks & Credits to Vatican Media.
