Following the June 11 general audience, Pope Leo XIV spoke with young people who have embarked on a “spiritual revolution” to restore Europe’s soul.
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Fernando Moscardó, 22, coordinates the initiative, titled “Rome ‘25-the Way of St. James ‘27-Jerusalem ‘33,” which aims to tell the world that “another Europe is possible” through pilgrimages, evangelization, and healing.
Shortly after meeting with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square, the young Spanish medical student told ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, that the meeting “was awesome.”
“It was an overwhelming experience, filled with great joy, both for him and for us at that moment. To give [information on] this project to the vicar of Christ on earth, well, imagine, it’s something spectacular,” he emphasized.
Moscardó, along with his classmate Patricia and the bishop of Palencia, Mikel Garciandía, were able to explain the initiative to the Holy Father, which aims to open up a pathway to faith and hope for a new European generation in view of the Jubilee of the Redemption, which will be celebrated in 2033.
During the month of June, local pilgrimages are being held throughout Europe, culminating on Aug. 1 with the proclamation of a “Manifesto of the Young Christians of Europe” in St. Mary’s Basilica in Trastevere, Rome.
According to Moscardó, Pope Leo XIV assured them that he “would follow it closely.” They also invited him to participate in the signing of the manifesto.
“Just as we invite all young people and all those who empathize with and are close to young people and who truly dream of this new generation,” Moscardó said.
He also stated that, when the meeting with the pontiff ended, “it was hard for us to realize what we had just experienced, it was hard for us to bring our feet back to earth, we couldn’t believe it.”
“We know this is just another step along the way, that this doesn’t mean everything is done; on the contrary, everything remains to be done, especially knowing that we now have the Holy Father’s watchful eye,” Moscardó indicated.
“We are under even more pressure, if possible,” the young man continued, “to ensure everything goes perfectly and for this manifesto to truly be the united voice of young Christians who seek with the thirst of Christ this new generation.”
The organizers are working on a website to provide all the necessary information about the activities as well as on their social media channels, which will be called J2R2033 (Journey to Redemption 2033).
After the audience with Pope Leo XIV, they met with the organizers of the Jubilee of Hope in preparation for Aug. 1, when the manifesto will be signed.
“In the afternoon, we had another meeting at St. Mary’s in Trastevere to begin finalizing details for this great celebration in which we wish to proclaim this united voice of Europe, calling for a new generation with soul and centered anew in Christ,” he concluded.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
