Pope Leo XIV thanks Jubilee partners for giving Rome a welcoming face

Vatican City, January 11, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and institutions whose often unseen efforts helped make the Jubilee Year of Hope a success, saying their service ensured that Rome welcomed millions of pilgrims with generosity and care.

Meeting representatives of civil and ecclesial bodies in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Saturday morning, the Pope greeted public authorities, Church officials and collaborators involved in organising the Holy Year. He singled out the Italian government, security forces and Vatican Dicasteries, noting that their “multifaceted contribution, often hidden” carried heavy responsibility throughout the year.

Thanks to their dedication, the Pope said, more than 30 million pilgrims were able to undertake the Jubilee journey, passing through the Holy Doors and praying at the tombs of the Apostles. These encounters, he added, became concrete experiences of a hope that does not disappoint.

Reflecting on the meaning of pilgrimage, Pope Leo recalled the words of Augustine of Hippo, who wrote that hope is essential to the condition of pilgrims. He said the volunteers’ service helped visitors rediscover that hope in a tangible way.

The Holy Father paid special attention to the presence of young people who travelled to Rome from across the world. Their witness, he said, was striking: diverse in background yet united and orderly, thanks in no small part to the support and guidance of volunteers. He stressed that society bears a responsibility towards these young pilgrims and their future.

Pope Leo encouraged Jubilee collaborators to reflect on what young people truly need and where they can find answers to the deepest questions in their hearts. He underlined the importance of credible role models on the path to holiness, pointing to figures such as Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis as inspiring examples.

Recalling the Bull of Indiction issued by Francis at the opening of the Holy Door in 2024, Pope Leo renewed the call to let hope become contagious. He urged those involved in the Jubilee to carry this mandate forward so that the seeds of hope sown during the Holy Year may continue to grow.

The Pope concluded by presenting volunteers with the Jubilee Crucifix as a sign of gratitude. Rino Fisichella also voiced appreciation to all who helped realise the Jubilee. Pope Leo ended by blessing those present and thanking them for their service as the new year begins.

Pope Leo XIV thanks Jubilee partners for giving Rome a welcoming face

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