What was supposed to be a day of joy and hope has been overshadowed by devastating news. Pope Leo XIV received this Saturday, in the midst of the Jubilee dedicated to young people, the news of a sad loss.
It was the sudden death of an 18-year-old Egyptian young woman. She had arrived in Rome to take part in the scheduled events of the Holy Year. The tragedy has shocked the Pontiff and the entire community of pilgrims gathered in the Italian capital.
The young woman, who came from Egypt, was part of one of the many groups that landed in Rome this Saturday from 146 countries. All of them were eager to take part in one of the most desired events of the Jubilee. According to the Holy See, her death occurred suddenly, although the exact causes of her passing have not been detailed.
Pope Leo XIV, deeply affected, received the news "with deep sorrow," as confirmed by an official statement from the Vatican. In the face of this tragic loss, the Pontiff wanted to personally express his "spiritual closeness to the family members" of the young woman.
A meeting of comfort with the companions of the deceased young woman
In a gesture of closeness and solidarity, Pope Leo XIV will receive this same Saturday afternoon at the Vatican the group of pilgrims and companions of the deceased young woman. "The meeting, marked by deep emotion, will be an occasion for prayer and spiritual comfort for the young people, still moved by this painful event," the Holy See's statement details.
The news has shocked the thousands of young people who have arrived in Rome in recent hours. The Jubilee, which was supposed to be a celebration of hope and fraternity, has been tinged with mourning. Despite this, the Pope has wanted the spirit of unity and prayer to be kept, and has assured that the suffering of the victim's family members, friends, and companions will be present in his heart.
Pope invokes comfort and prayer on a day of mourning and hope
The Holy See has indicated that Pope Leo XIV "joins in the suffering of those who have been affected by this tragic episode." He has assured "prayers of suffrage and invokes from the Lord comfort for the family members, friends, and all those who mourn her loss."
Despite the tragedy, the Jubilee of Young People will continue. After a night of music, prayer, and camping, the celebration will culminate on Sunday morning with a massive mass to be officiated by Pope Leo XIV, in which, without a doubt, the deceased young pilgrim will be remembered with emotion.