Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church entered Sede Vacante, a time without a Pope. Yet, amidst this unprecedented pause, pilgrims continued to arrive from every corner of the globe to celebrate Jubilee Year events.

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In the days following Pope Francis’ funeral, thousands of teenagers gathered in Rome for their Jubilee, a celebration that coincided with the Mass of Pope Francis’ burial. Their prayers were tinged with grief but also filled with joy and hope.

“I am feeling happy,” one teenager said, “but also I am feeling sad, because the Pope he was very simple, even now, he has chosen a simple coffin he didn't choose to have a really big coffin, and he also wanted to be buried in a small church”

What role do you think you play in the church as a teenager?

“I feel like it's important, like in a way we are the next generation or the church, I would like to be a priest when I'm older. So, learning about the church and figuring out ways I can help and participate in mass and events.”

What will you remember about Pope Francis the most? What was your favourite thing about him?

“I liked how he loved mercy. I think that was my favourite part about him.”

Another teenager noted, “Catholic people can actually have fun. I am Catholic, I like to party. They’re always there for you and they know how to say if there is something wrong.”

Just days after the Pope’s funeral, Rome welcomed another large group-over 10,000 pilgrims-for the Jubilee of People with Disabilities. Despite the Church’s leadership in transition, the Vatican made sure every one of them is welcomed.

One pilgrim shared, “I come to Rome to this Jubilee to understand more people and to discover myself and to overcome my limits.”

Another added, “This is my first experience, until now I have never participated in a Jubilee, I came here first of all out of curiosity and to try a new experience that will certainly be enriching for me.”

The following Jubilees of Workers and Entrepreneurs also took place without the presence of the Pope during the time of transition. Then, on May 8th, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, and the new Pope Leo XIV appeared on St. Peter’s Loggia.

His first Regina Coeli prayer coincided with the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment. Music filled Rome’s squares as bands from across the world played both for celebration and tribute.

However, only the next Jubilee-the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches-had an audience with the newly elected Pope. He welcomed them with open arms, affirming the importance of their traditions and the unity of the Church in diversity.

“You are precious,” Pope Leo said. "Looking at you, I think of the diversity of your origins, your glorious history and the bitter sufferings that many of your communities have endured or continue to endure.”

About 5,000 pilgrims representing all 23 Eastern Catholic Churches gathered to celebrate their rich liturgical and cultural traditions. Over three days, the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Mary Major hosted a series of Divine Liturgies including Ethiopian, Armenian, Coptic, Syro-Oriental, Syro-Western, and Byzantine rites.

The Jubilee of the Confraternities coincided with the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV. This solemn celebration in St. Peter’s Square marked the conclusion of the Church’s period of transition, bringing the time of Sede Vacante-the interregnum-to a close and opening a new chapter of hope and leadership for the Catholic community worldwide.

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Adapted by Jacob Stein

Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy; Camera by Sergio Natoli, Federico Mantova; Video Edited Ilaria Chimenti