The First Youth Jubilee
The first Youth Jubilee was held during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II in 1984. This event, similar to the Church’s ordinary Jubilee, was specifically organized for young people. The Youth Jubilee is a special time of celebration, prayer and reflection for young Catholics, during which they are encouraged to deepen their faith, experience spirituality and become actively involved in the Church.
Global Participation
This extraordinary event includes the participation of young people from all over the world. The Youth Jubilee aims to engage Catholic youth in their spiritual growth by encouraging deeper engagement in religious community and faith practice through prayer, confession, celebration of Mass and participation in activities specifically designed for them.
An Opportunity for Spiritual Growth
The Youth Jubilee represents a special opportunity for young Catholics to renew their commitment to their faith, grow spiritually and share experiences with peers from different parts of the world. It is a significant moment of communion and deepening of their religious identity within the universal Catholic Church.
Famous Phrases from the Popes
- Pope John Paul II: “Do not be afraid to open the doors to Christ! Do not be afraid!”
- Pope Francis: “The Church needs your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that distinguishes you!”
- Pope John Paul II “Have the courage to be holy, young friends, in your daily lives. You are the future of the world, of the Church, be holy!”
- Pope Benedict XVI: “Do not be afraid to make room for Jesus in your life! […] His love does not and will never disappoint!”
- Pope Francis: “Don’t let them steal your hope! Don’t let them steal your hope!”
Places of Youth Jubilees
- Rome, Italy (1984): The first major international youth meeting with Pope John Paul II was held in Rome to celebrate the International Year of Youth.
- Santiago de Compostela, Spain (1989): Young people from around the world gathered in Galicia, Spain, for an international meeting presided over by Pope John Paul II.
- Częstochowa, Poland (1991): This meeting was a significant moment during which young people from all corners of the earth expressed their faith.
- Denver, United States (1993): The Youth Jubilee was held in the United States with the participation of young people from different nations of the Catholic world.
- Paris, France (1997): An international gathering of young Catholics with Pope John Paul II was organized in the French capital.
- Cologne, Germany (2005): The Youth Jubilee saw thousands of young people converge on Cologne to participate in this significant event with Pope Benedict XVI.
- Madrid, Spain (2011): Pope Benedict XVI led a meeting of young Catholics in the Spanish city of Madrid.
- Krakow, Poland (2016): A Youth Jubilee was celebrated in Krakow under the leadership of Pope Francis. It was also the year in which the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy was officially proclaimed.
These gatherings, known as Youth Jubilees, were attended by young Catholics from all over the world to celebrate their faith, receive spiritual teachings and participate in times of prayer and reflection led by the Pope.
