Gratitude for papal visit to Assisi: 'Today we feel we are the Church'
Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi, where he met with young people to discuss themes of unity and faith. Attendees expressed gratitude for the visit, noting that the Pope's presence helped them feel connected to the Church and encouraged them to choose the Gospel.
Why it matters
Papal visits serve as significant symbolic events for the Catholic community, reinforcing institutional unity and addressing the spiritual concerns of youth.
Vatican News Pope Leo XIV's visit to Assisi was "an embrace," "a sign that the Successor of Peter walks alongside the People of God, sharing in their hopes and struggles." With these words, at the conclusion of the Mass presided over by the Pope in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and before the final blessing, one of the young people, Francesco Varone, addressed the Pope to thank him for his visit to Assisi. His presence, Varone said, encourages young people not to be afraid "to choose what is good and to believe that the Gospel can still change the human heart." [ Photo Embed: Young People Participating in the Mass Celebrated by the Pope in Assisi] Christ overcomes division and loneliness [ In Evidence ] Varone gave voice to "the pain of fragmentation and the fear of loneliness" experienced by so many young men and women.
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