More than 100,000 young Catholics packed into St. Peter’s Square erupted in joyful cheers as Pope Leo XIV made a surprise appearance during the Jubilee of Youth opening ceremony in Rome.

The Pope unexpectedly toured the square in his popemobile after an evening Mass, smiling and waving as he soaked in the energy of the massive crowd.

Organizers had hinted at “a surprise,” but few expected the Pope to attend so early in the week-long event, according to the Associated Press.

“You are this message [of hope], and must give hope to everyone,” the Pope told the gathering, before repeating: “We want peace in the world. We want peace in the world!”

The Jubilee of Youth, part of the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, is drawing hundreds of thousands of young people to Rome.

Events include liturgies, processions through the Holy Door, and talks from Catholic social media influencers who use digital platforms to evangelize.

Earlier that day, Pope Leo addressed these influencers, thanking them for spreading the Gospel online but warning against losing touch with real-world relationships.

“Always look for the ‘suffering flesh of Christ’ in every brother and sister you encounter online,” he urged. “It is up to us... to ensure that this culture remains human.”

The Pope is expected to return later in the week to close the Jubilee with a final Mass.