Jubilee of Youth 2025: Pilgrims from Africa Share Testimonies of Conversion from Experience in Rome

While in Rome, the young member of Holy Trinity Parish of the Archdiocese of Arusha took time to understand the Religious significance of all the Basilicas he visited, learning important lessons while at it.

“During my visit to the Basilica of St. Peter's Square, I learned a lot about the history of the Church and saw the works of architecture. The Church has its own established procedures and a rich history, which is evident in places like the Sistine Chapel,” he said.

“I learned that the Church listens to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and recognizes the charisms that God has placed within His people. This is demonstrated by the construction of the basilicas in Rome, which are magnificent works done by human hands,” Denis said, adding that at the Sistine Chapel in particular, he experienced “profound serenity”. 

While gazing at the place where Cardinals gather to elect the Pope, Denis discovered that the Church requires an atmosphere of peace and tranquility to make sound decisions about its leadership, guided by the Holy Spirit. 

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He discovered that the serenity surrounding the Sistine Chapel helps the Cardinals to pray and make correct decisions about the direction of the Church.

In his opinion, the all the Basilicas in Rome “reflect the true life of a Christian in the pursuit of holiness to reach God.”

“From all of this, I have come to understand that Christianity is about self-sacrifice for the sake of others,” Denis told ACI Africa, and added, “It is about following Christ in His words and actions and caring for others as we care for ourselves.”

Credit: Kati Dijane

Summing up his experience in Rome, Denis said, “I am very happy to be among the pilgrims participating in the 2025 Jubilee of Christianity worldwide. It is my first time visiting Italy, especially Rome, where the headquarters of the Catholic Church is located.”

From Tanzania alone, over 200 young pilgrims attended the Jubilee of Youth in Rome that was held as part of the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.

Many other young people came from different African countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Angola.

Credit: Kati Dijane

A young person who spoke on behalf of the 34 participants from Zambia expressed the excitement of participating in the event, saying, “We came to the pilgrimage to be part of this experience, this Jubilee which only happens after every 25 years.”

She added, in her message to Pope Leo, “As the youths from Zambia, we would like to say congratulations to the Holy Father. We hope and pray for the bets for you. As a country, we continue to pray for you. We love you.”

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Speaking on behalf of the over 150 young pilgrims from South Africa, another young person said his time in Rome was an opportunity to pray for other young people in his native country who are no longer going to Church.

Credit: Kati Dijane

He said, “As parishes, some youth don't want to go to church. And so, this is our opportunity to gather more information on how to overcome that challenge.”

Representing the group of 74 participants from Zimbabwe, another young person said they were in Rome to pray for their country that they said is facing spiritual, social, and economic challenges. 

“The Catholic youths in Zimbabwe have decided to come and pray for the country, for the church and the youth ministry at large in Zimbabwe,” the young person said, adding that the highlight of the pilgrimage for them, had been meeting Pope Leo XIV for the first time. 

Credit: Kati Dijane

“I think we are one of the first group to meet the Pope representing Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference,” he said.

From Angola, young people said that the Jubilee of Youth was an opportunity for them to share in the “jubilation” with other digital influencers from across the world.