Hundreds of thousands of young people gathered in a vast square on the outskirts of Rome on Saturday to see Pope Leo, the Vatican's pontiff, in the largest event to date since he took office. The gathering was part of a special weekend aimed at inspiring Catholic youth.

Young people from more than 146 countries, some wearing colorful headbands to protect themselves from the summer sun, lined the walls of Tor Vergata Square, while Pope Leo toured the crowd in his white papal car in the late afternoon.

The Pope waved with a broad smile, blessed the attendees, and occasionally picked up small stuffed toys and national flags that the youth tossed toward him during his passage.

Later, Leo addressed the crowd, saying, “Dear young people… My prayer for you is that you remain firm in faith, with joy and courage.”

He added, “Seek justice to build a more humane world. Serve the poor, and in doing so, bear witness to the goodness we always hope to receive from our neighbors.”