Vatican City, Jul 5, 2025 / 11:30 am

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday said pilgrimages play an essential role in the life of faith as they help a Christian to be better united to Jesus Christ and discern God’s purpose for us in life.

The Holy Father invited a large group of teachers and young people from Denmark, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to the Vatican on Saturday and encouraged them to come closer to God during their summer pilgrimage in Rome for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.

During the meeting, the pope said: “A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply.”

“Such moments always help us to grow, for through them the Holy Spirit gently fashions us to be ever more closely conformed to the mind and the heart of Jesus Christ,” he continued.

Continuing the theme of his July prayer intention “for formation in discernment,” the pope told the group of teachers and students that God “has created each one of you with a purpose and a mission in this life.” He encouraged them to visit the many holy sites in the Eternal City during their jubilee pilgrimage.

“Use this opportunity for listening, for prayer, so that you may hear more clearly God’s voice calling you deep within your hearts,” he said. “Today, so often, we lose the ability to listen, to really listen.”

“We listen to music, we have our ears flooded constantly with all kinds of digital input, but sometimes we forget to listen to our own hearts and it’s in our hearts that God speaks to us,” he continued.

By fostering a personal relationship with Jesus, the pope said God “calls us and invites us to know him better and to live in his love” and to share that gift of faith with others, just like the countless saints and martyrs had over the centuries.

Addressing the teachers of the group, Leo said they have an “important role in the formation of today’s youth” and are role models for them.

“I hope that, each day, you will nurture your relationship with Christ, who gives us the pattern of all authentic teaching, so that, in turn, you may guide and encourage those entrusted to your care to follow Christ in their own lives,” he said.

The Holy Father challenged his listeners on Saturday to continue their “pilgrimage of discipleship” when they return to their home countries, relying always on God’s mercy and the intercession of the saints.

“Dear friends, with these few words, and entrusting you to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, I gladly impart to each of you my heartfelt blessing,” he said at the meeting’s conclusion.

According to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, more than 10 million pilgrims have come to Rome for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope since Pope Francis opened the Church’s holy year on Christmas Eve 2024.