Pope Consoles Egyptian Youth Pilgrims After Sudden Death of Fellow Pilgrim

Pope Leo XIV offered words of comfort and prayer to a group of young Egyptian pilgrims on August 2, following the unexpected death of their fellow pilgrim, Pascale Rafic, during the Jubilee of Youth pilgrimage in Rome.

The Pope met privately with the grieving group at the “Auletta” of the Paul VI Hall, where he expressed his sorrow and solidarity. "Peace be with you," he began, acknowledging the shock and pain of losing a companion so far from home and in the midst of what was meant to be a joyful celebration of faith.

“Of course, the sadness that death brings to all of us is very human and very understandable,” the Pope said. “Especially being so far away from home and on an occasion like this, when we come together to celebrate our faith with joy. And then, all of a sudden, we are reminded that life is not superficial, nor do we have control over it.”

Reflecting on the Gospel account of Martha and Mary mourning the death of Lazarus, the Holy Father reminded the young pilgrims that even in loss, Christ reveals Himself as “the life and the resurrection.” He emphasized that this painful moment speaks directly to the heart of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

“Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who is risen,” he said. “And He calls all of us to renew our faith, to be friends, brothers and sisters to one another, and to support one another. You, too, must be witnesses to that Gospel message.”

Pope Leo encouraged the young pilgrims to allow their faith to carry them through grief and to remain united as Church. Quoting Saint Augustine, he acknowledged the natural sorrow of death, but urged them not to mourn “as pagans do,” reminding them of the promise of eternal life in Christ.

In a simple but moving gesture, the Pope gathered the group in prayer, both for Pascale’s eternal rest and for strength and consolation for those left behind. He invoked God’s blessing upon the pilgrims, asking the Lord to protect and accompany them during the remaining days of their pilgrimage.

“May God be with you and give peace to your hearts,” he concluded.

Pascale Rafic was one of the millions of youth participating in the Jubilee of Youth, which included a week of celebrations, prayer vigils, Masses, cultural encounters, and a pilgrimage through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Her death, while tragic, became for many pilgrims a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the hope that comes from faith in the Risen Christ.