Young French -speaking pilgrims meet Léon – Swiss Catholic portal

The official Instagram page of Léon XIV (@ponvotex) and the French -speaking page of Vatican News both displayed, on July 30, 2025, a large Swiss flag accompanied by a flag of … La Broye.

The 400 Romands, whose shredders, on pilgrimage since July 28, were therefore clearly visible. The now famous flag was offered by the Regional Community of Broye (Coreb), explains not without pride in Cath.ch Lazare Preldakaj, head of the Pastoral Youth of La Broye. “We needed something that represents the whole region, not just a pastoral unit or a parish,” he explains.

A pope close to people

The small region shared between Friborg and Vaud was thus honored during the host mass of the young people and the general audience which followed the next day. During this first celebration, chaired by the Italian archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Pope surprised the 120,000 pilgrims gathered on St-Pierre square by making an appearance on his papamobile, causing enormous excitation. “I was very marked by the warm contact that Pope has with people,” notes Anna. The 16 -year -old girl, who came with the diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Friborg (LGF), experienced great moments of emotion during the two meetings. She was notably affected by the gestures of affection of the pontiff towards the many babies he took in his arms during his tours on the Place St-Pierre.

Real and virtual violence

The general hearing, which takes place at the end of the morning on Wednesday July 30, reminds pilgrims that they are in Rome in the middle of summer, and that the rainy days are over. Lots of umbrella have come out again, but this time to fight the sun.

Relayed on the big screen, the Pope is probably particularly addressed to young people by deploring a society “which falls ill because of a› bulimia ‘of social networks connections “. Leon XIV is also concerned about the increase in violence and conflicts around the world. It considers essential to persevere in dialogue, strengthen collaboration and make diplomacy the privileged way to prevent and resolve conflicts. Interventions, in reflection of the universality of the church, are translated into seven languages, including French.

Sing in Latin and dance around the altar

The young Romands present in Rome understood the Pope’s message well by joining themselves happily and fraternally. “I have already exchanged with young people from many other countries,” says Iris, Montreux, from Rwanda. I find it very reassuring to see so many young people from around the world who love Jesus. “

“We reach a new spiritual depth among young people. », Ensures Cath.ch the Cardinal Luxembourg Jean-Claude Hollerich, met on Via Della Conziliazone. And who accompanies in Rome a delegation of 80 young people from his country. He points out that in a state as secularized as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg the Masses, especially on Wednesday ash and branches “were attacked”. An increased need for ritual which must be well understood by the Church. “Young people must find places that speak their language,” said the cardinal. Some of them, it is true, are looking for more classic forms of celebration. But you have to go beyond the forms and welcome diversity. I could see that young people are able to sing in Latin one day and another day to dance around the altar. ”

Behind the scenes of the Swiss Guard

After the emotions of the morning, the young Romands can perfect, on July 30, their knowledge of Rome and the Vatican by visiting the Swiss Guard. Pilgrims discover armory, which in addition to halberds and helmets, shelters a much more modern armament, such as rifles or machine guns.

A historical immersion behind the scenes of the smallest army in the world which pleases a lot in view of the very large number of questions asked at the end, to the point of delaying the program. “Is he hot under the habit?”, “How do you do so long standing?”, “What nonsense have you ever made?”, The Guard Guard responds with good humor to all requests. He teaches in particular that the assistance that the bands on the clothes are not there to make pretty, but that they are used to hide the movements of the legs which could reveal a pass during a fight. The soldier also remembers that Pope Francis used to get out of his room to offer a book to the guard at night in front of his door. Some guards would thus have raised real libraries.

Despite the extension of the visit to the Pontifical Guard, the pilgrims are on time at Mass at the Santa Maria del Rosario in Prati church. In his homily, the Jurassian abbot Antoine Dubosson deepens the parable of the treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13: 44-58), in which Jesus explains: “The kingdom of heaven resembles a treasure buried in a field. A man discovers it: he hides it again, leaves, overflowing with joy, sells everything he has and buys this field. ”

Looking for a bigger family?

“Young people always need God, for God’s desire is inscribed in the heart of man,” comments Father Fortunat Badimuene, a French -speaking chaplain at the University of Friborg. During this year, he also noted a strong increase in attendance at the ash mass, but also to the Rorate. This traditional mass in honor of the Virgin Mary during Advent time is quite restrictive, because it is celebrated at dawn or even before sunrise. Which makes the priest think that young people do not necessarily seek easy and comfortable practice.

Fortunat also notes a major request for advice and information on the faith on the part of the students. “Questions often relate to human, family relationships. Loneliness sometimes weighs on students, especially those, now quite numerous, who come from separate families. They are looking for a form of community, fraternal links. What they try in particular to find during pilgrimages like the one we live. And I sincerely believe that the church can be for them this mother who welcomes without judging. ” (cath.ch/rz)