At a time when the world is in search of authentic hope, a group of young people from Galilee responded with faith to the call of heaven: “Hope does not disappoint.” In the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Francis, seventy young pilgrims, accompanied by their spiritual chaplains, undertook a profound spiritual journey to the heart of the universal Church—from 21 to 27 April 2025—culminating in the crossing of the Holy Door in Rome with hearts lifted in prayer and minds open to grace.
The pilgrimage, organized for youth aged 16 to 17, was held under the patronage of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in collaboration with the Youth Pastoral Office and schools across the Galilee. The group was accompanied by four spiritual and educational leaders: Fr. Elie Karam, Fr. Ramez Twal, Ms. Jazeel Zeitoun, and Mr. Ihab Sabra. Together, they formed a community of faith, walking in unity, guided by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the virtue of hope.
A moment of deep sorrow and spiritual reflection came when the group received the news of the passing of Pope Francis. Yet this grief was transfigured into a silent prayer, a moment of communion with the universal Church, and a tangible expression of enduring hope. The young pilgrims waited in line for hours to pay their final respects before the Pope’s body, a gesture marked by reverence and a profound sense of filial love for the Successor of Peter.
Throughout the journey, the pilgrims encountered grace in numerous holy sites. The youth visited the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis—the patron of the digital age—drawing inspiration from his simple faith and deep relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. In Assisi, they walked in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare, experiencing the beauty of creation and holiness at once. They then traveled to Pisa, Florence, and Siena—places where history and faith intertwine—before concluding with joyful and prayerful days in the Eternal City of Rome.
This was not merely a trip, but a true pilgrimage into the depths of faith, encountering God's presence through liturgy, prayer, community, and silence. The youth of Galilee discovered the Church as a living and maternal presence. They returned home carrying within them the flame of hope—rekindled and alive—and a renewed desire to proclaim the joy of the Gospel to the world.
