Gathering of Young People in Rome: 25,000 "Dawn Guardians" Celebrate
In the heart of Rome, Vatican City is bustling with energy as it hosts the 2025 Holy Year Youth Festival, a significant celebration dedicated to youth and ecological concerns. Under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, this festival expects up to one million young participants from all over Europe and beyond, marking a significant milestone in the Vatican's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability.
At the core of this festival are initiatives like the Laudato Si’ Green Festival, organised by the Laudato Youth Initiative. These activities focus on water conservation and sustainable practices, with demonstrations of solar irrigation pumps and smart water systems, eco-exhibitions showcasing youth-led green innovations, and the installation of a 16-kilometer water pipeline by Acea, the main water and electricity supplier in Vatican City. This pipeline will provide approximately 3.5 million liters of water during the event, emphasising the importance of water conservation and sustainable development.
Mornings in Vatican City begin with prayer, breakfast, and music. Despite the diversity of languages spoken in Vatican City, including Polish and Portuguese, the atmosphere is one of unity and mutual respect. Breakfast logistics have been carefully planned, with ninety-five tanker trucks delivering an additional million liters of water at key collection points. Hundreds of toilets have been installed for the convenience of attendees, and around 250 shower facilities have been set up.
The event encourages respect for others' space, patience, and sharing. Mornings in Vatican City are a test of patience, respect, and the ability to coexist. Some individuals prepare quietly for the day, while others play the guitar and sing. Security measures have been put in place for the safety of attendees, but the overall atmosphere remains peaceful and harmonious.
Oksana Tynichenko, among many others, has made her way to Vatican City for this unique event. Acea is using the occasion to raise youth awareness about the importance of conserving water resources. Young people are being taught that resource conservation is not just a trend, but a matter of survival.
In Vatican City, each day begins with a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, a living miniature world map where people from all walks of life come together without regard for their origins. The 2025 Holy Year Youth Festival is a testament to the power of faith and community in driving positive change for our planet.
- Oksana Tynichenko, alongside numerous others, has traveled to Vatican City for the 2025 Holy Year Youth Festival, an event emphasizing the importance of sustainable living through initiatives like the Laudato Si’ Green Festival.
- As a part of the festival, Acea, the principal water and electricity supplier in Vatican City, is educating young participants about the crucial need for water conservation, using the installation of a 16-kilometer water pipeline and related exhibits as teaching tools.
- Personal growth and education-and-self-development will also be highlighted at the festival since it aims to promote a lifestyle that values home-and-garden sustainable practices, encouraging participants to learn and implement eco-friendly methods in their daily lives.