Pope Leo XIV received a rapturous welcome Saturday as he arrived by helicopter for a grand youth prayer vigil on the outskirts of Rome, drawing an estimated crowd of over 800,000 young Catholics from 146 nations.

The event, part of the Catholic Church’s “Jubilee of Youth,” was among the largest gatherings since the pope’s appointment earlier this year.

The youthful crowd erupted into cheers and tears as the white military helicopter circled and descended onto the vast open grounds of Tor Vergata, an eastern suburb of the Italian capital.

The moment was electric, with many pilgrims overcome with emotion as the 69-year-old pontiff the first American pope emerged smiling from the popemobile, waving to the masses.

Many young worshippers had braved intense heat throughout the day, spending hours singing, praying, and bonding with peers from across the globe. Some rushed forward, eager to catch a closer glimpse of the pope. As he stepped onto the stage holding a large wooden cross, the mood shifted to one of deep reflection.

“After walking, praying, and sharing these days of grace, we now gather in the light of the evening to keep vigil,” the pope addressed them, his voice echoing across the crowd.

The vigil grounds, spanning more than 500,000 square meters roughly the size of 70 football fields were so expansive that many participants couldn’t see the grand stage adorned with a golden arch and towering cross. Yet spirits remained high.

“I’m just happy to be here, even if I can’t see everything,” said Andy Hewellyn, a student from the UK. “What matters most is the unity that we’re all here together.”

The atmosphere resembled a spiritual festival, with musical and dance performances entertaining the faithful throughout the day.

Italian broadcaster Rai described it as a “Catholic Woodstock.” Blankets, guitars, umbrellas, and prayer circles dotted the grounds as pilgrims settled in for an overnight stay under the stars, awaiting the pope’s Sunday morning Mass the highlight of the week-long pilgrimage.

Among the sea of flags and youthful energy was Julie Mortier, 18, from France, her voice hoarse from hours of cheering. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said excitedly.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a video message, applauded the celebration as a joyful and prayerful convergence of global youth.

The Jubilee gathering, held 25 years after the last major youth assembly in Rome under Pope John Paul II, comes just three months into Pope Leo’s papacy.

Earlier in the day, young Catholics had embarked on foot from central Rome toward Tor Vergata, equipped with backpacks, water bottles, and sunscreen, ready for 24 hours of spiritual immersion.

Some, like 21-year-old Victoria Perez from Spain, were visibly thrilled at the prospect of seeing the pope up close. “A night of prayer under the stars it’s magical,” she said.

Meanwhile, others like Quentin Remaury, 26, recalled Pope Francis’s message from Krakow in 2016 urging young people to leave their comfort zones. “That really moved me,” he said.

The Jubilee of Youth comes at a time when many under-30s face global challenges including war, climate change, and economic instability. Some attendees had journeyed from conflict-hit nations like Syria and Ukraine. Samarei Semos, 29, who travelled three days from Belize, hoped the pope would advocate for the Global South.

The celebration was marred by the tragic death of an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who suffered a fatal heart attack on Friday night. Pope Leo met and prayed with her travelling companions prior to the vigil, the Vatican confirmed.

Security remained tight throughout, with over 1,000 police officers and 4,300 volunteers deployed to maintain order and assist the vast congregation.

As night fell and the vigil took on a more contemplative tone, it was clear that for many young Catholics, this was more than a gathering; it was a deeply transformative spiritual milestone.