Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, was a hit with many young people, with a style that put aside pre-prepared speeches to engage in a back and forth with big crowds and who took tough questions from them about loss of faith, abortion and sexual abuse.

Pope Leo XIV has urged over a million Catholic youths to spread their faith and enthusiasm as they return to 150 countries.

The Vatican estimates that more than one million young people from 146 countries gathered for Pope Leo’s largest mass since he was elected in May. In his homily, the Pope gave an encouraging message of hope to young crowd.