Young Christians Launch Spiritual Manifesto To Restore The Soul Of Europe

Vatican City, July 3, 2025: The 'Manifesto of Young Christians of Europe'—an initiative to restore Europe’s Christian identity and renew hope through pilgrimages and evangelisation—was unveiled on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Holy See Press Office in Rome. Several senior Church officials and youth representatives from across the continent participated in the event. 

The movement, part of the broader pastoral and evangelisation efforts promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelisation and in preparation for the Jubilee of Youth, will officially begin with the proclamation of the manifesto at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere on Friday, 1 August 2025.

One of the flagship projects included in the manifesto is “Rome 2025 – The Way of St. James (Santiago de Compostela) 2027 – Jerusalem 2033”. The project is a pilgrimage which will commence in Rome in 2025 and culminate in the Holy Land in 2033. 

A Movement that Speaks to All

During the press conference held on Tuesday, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, explained that the Manifesto of Young Christians is not just an “event”, but it is a movement, created in order to speak to all young Europeans about their faith, which has significant relevance on this continent.

Bishop Mikel Garciandia of Palencia, Spain, emphasised the importance of this “genesis”, stating the urgent need to make this project widespread and to see its end goal, to have truly Christian Europe, come to fulfillment.

Father Antonio Ammirati, Secretary General of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, echoed the voice of Pope Francis, saying, “Do not just be a tourist but put on the sandals of pilgrims,” noting that there is remarkable hope in today’s youth.

Rev. Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo added that the essence of a pilgrimage is a call for “we choose to journey because following Christ does not mean being still…”, and Archbishop Francisco José Prieto Fernández of Santiago de Compostela quoted Pope St John Paul II and urged the youth to listen to the Lord’s call.

Young People Looking for Sense and Meaning

Lastly, Fernando Moscardó Vegas, the young representative and spokesperson of the International Committee of the Rome 25 - Santiago 27 - Jerusalem 33 project, stated that the Manifesto was solely the result of the young generation looking for a sense and meaning. “Christ is living, and Europe can find its soul if it listens,” Vegas said, and he quoted St. Augustine saying, “Lord, you made us for you, and we will be at rest if we find you.” The manifesto, he explained, is a call to faith from a young generation that is not afraid to seek more.

This initiative, he concluded, must not only be regarded as a campaign but rather a prophetic and missionary revolution, signalling a profound and transformative return to Christ. The Young Christians know that they are accompanied by Mary, who undeniably said “yes”; therefore, the “spiritual sword”, which has become a symbol of Europe once again, is turning toward heaven, revealing that just like Mary’s “yes”, we too can turn to Christ to find the missing pieces of our lives.

By Janina Eddy

Courtesy: Vatican News