By AC Wimmer
Rome Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 06:51 am
“To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” declared Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Caeli address, as an extraordinary crowd of jubilant pilgrims packed St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
The spontaneous call to young people from the first U.S.-born pope echoed the famous words of St. John Paul II in 1978.
On Sunday, Leo’s call — to an estimated crowd of 100,000 people — came during an address that coincided with Good Shepherd Sunday, which the new pontiff called “a gift from God” for his inaugural Sunday as Bishop of Rome.
The sound of marching bands and cheerful pilgrims resonated throughout the Vatican as an exuberant, celebratory atmosphere filled the piazza and the surrounding streets. Participants in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, specially welcomed by the pope, provided melodious moments throughout the gathering. Huge crowds poured into the square on a warm Roman spring day, with spontaneous cheers of “Viva il Papa” erupting repeatedly.
“I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter,” Pope Leo said, prompting another wave of enthusiastic applause.
“In this Sunday always is proclaimed in the Mass the Gospel of John, chapter ten, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and for them gives his life.”
Pope Leo XIV Celebrates World Day of Prayer for Vocations
On Sunday, May 11, 2205, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square, following the singing of the Regina Coeli in Latin. The pontiff highlighted the significance of this day as the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day dedicated to praying for individuals called to religious life and priesthood.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV expressed his joy in praying for vocations, particularly for those called to serve as priests and in religious life. He emphasized the crucial need for vocations within the Church and encouraged Catholic communities to support young people on their vocational journey by providing acceptance, listening, and encouragement.
The pope also recognized the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment taking place in Rome on the same day. He greeted the pilgrims attending the event and thanked them for adding to the celebration of Christ the Good Shepherd with their music and performances. Musical groups in the square responded with lively and spirited performances in response to the pope’s words.
