In the town of Assisi, where St. Francis once heard the call to “Go… Rebuild my Church,” a new generation of Jesus Youth gathered to dream, pray, and build. From July 25–28, 2025, over 170 young people (ages 18–35) from nearly 23 countries came together for the Jesus Youth Assisi Youth Forum, held next to the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli.
The theme “Dream with Hope, Build the Kingdom” shaped the gathering. Participants explored the heart of the movement through prayer, reflection, and discussions, while also engaging in meaningful collaborations with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) – Canada, Synodal Exploration groups, and pilgrimages to the sacred sites of St. Francis, St. Clare, and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
The forum was graced by the presence of six young priests who accompanied the participants throughout the program, offering their ministry and friendship—one of the highlights of the event. Special blessings came through the surprise visits of His Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Excellency Bishop Bruno Varriò, OFM, from Cyprus.
Manoj Sunny (Jesus Youth International Formation Director, who recently met Pope Leo XIV), reflecting on the days in Assisi, shared: “I came home with my heart filled with hope and joy from what I witnessed during the program, and with deep gratitude as I reflect on the future of the movement…. It is so inspiring to see a new generation emerging in the movement—genuine, sincere young people who are earnestly seeking the Lord and His ways in their lives. This gives me great hope for the future of our movement, filled with joy and confidence.”
Joseph Abraham (Assisi Youth Forum Coordinator & Jesus Youth USA National Council Member) also expressed his joy: “It was a blessing to meet Jesus Youth from all over the world and to walk the streets of Assisi together. Adoring the Eucharistic Lord in the same air that He called Francis to rebuild His Church, you could feel the echoes of that call being made to us as a movement today.”
