Alfredo Tedesco, director of Rome's Youth Ministry, told Aci Prensa, ACI Africa's sister news service, that the jubilee representatives “but not much” were present at the jubilee celebration.
“In some countries, we were unable to send delegations due to visas, diplomatic issues, or armed conflict. There are no representatives from Africa, but not many. The Dicaster and the Holy See have arranged to promote some visas,” Alfredo said.
African countries that have been able to travel to Rome for young people jubilees cite the enormous support of their Italian embassies.
In Tanzania, for example, over 200 young people are given visas to travel for pilgrimage.
In an interview with ACI Africa on July 23, the Youth Division Chief of the Tanzania Bishops' Conference (TEC) expressed his gratitude to the Italian Embassy of the East African country for ensuring that all youth “complete the termination of the transaction” will be successful in applying for visas.
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“We didn't have a single problem with the Italian Embassy. Everyone we met at the end of the transaction got a visa,” said Fr. Liston Lukoo. “The only problem was that the embassy was overwhelmed by many of us. Over 200 interviews are no joke. The embassy has organised interviews with young people to this day.
Young people in other African countries are less successful. From Ethiopia, the youth leader wrote to ACI Africa on July 15, saying, “The Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa was very strict on us. As a result, I don't know any young people who are going.
From Fr. Kenya. Paskarum Wambhi, who wrote about the activities of African Digital Youth Influencers (ASYFI) to ACI Africa on the same day, expressed similar frustration. “I don't have a visa yet. The booking I got is in September. Previous attempts to seek appointments have not been successful so far.”
In response to the unfortunate refusal by the Italian Embassy in Ethiopia, the Clergy and Religion section of the Parish of Rambeck called for patents and expressed optimism that future attempts would be successful in order to grant visas to young people in South Sudan who wish to take part in the Roman pilgrimage.
“Don't give up,” the priest said in a message of solidarity with the South Sudan visa. He said on Thursday, July 24th, “Another time that can be made in prayer. Our dear Senior Aura, Father Munger and our youth courage.
Meanwhile, the organizers of the Youth of Youth in Rome have confirmed some important activities for the official jubilee pilgrimage of the Youth. The pilgrimage mood is set at the welcome St. Mass, celebrated at St. Peter's Square on Tuesday, July 29th at 6pm local time.
The next day, Rome will host numerous cultural, artistic and spiritual initiatives throughout the Italian capital, titled “Dialogue with the City.”
Friday, August 1st is reserved as a day of repentance celebrated at Circus Maximus, where pilgrims receive the Sacrament of Ascension.
On Saturday, August 2nd, pilgrims will be redirected to Tor Vergata. And finally, on Sunday, August 3rd, Pope Leo XIV is expected to preside on the Holy Mass at 9:30am, then bid farewell to the young pilgrims who need to return to their homeland.
Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Masters in Arts in Digital Journalism from Agakhan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications, and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Media and Communications from MOI University in Kenya. Agnes is currently a journalist for ACI Africa.
