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Young Life's INCONTRO: A Historic Gathering in Rome
Bringing Catholic and ecumenical leaders together to shape the future of youth ministry.
Young Life Catholic Engagement recently hosted INCONTRO, a landmark three-day gathering in Rome that brought together international leaders, senior Young Life leadership, pastoral workers, and youth ministers.
More than a traditional conference, INCONTRO was an experiential encounter designed to build friendships, strengthen Christian unity, and inspire renewed collaboration in reaching young people with the love of Christ.
More Than a Conference
Christian Unity
Building bridges across Christian traditions
Shared Mission
Collaborating for the future of youth ministry
Faith in Action
Encountering Christ through prayer and friendship
INCONTRO 2026 was more than a traditional conference. Set in the heart of Rome, this three-day gathering brought together Catholic and ecumenical leaders, pastoral workers, and youth ministers to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
CHRISTIAN UNITY
Building bridges and fostering authentic friendships across Christian traditions.
SHARED MISSION
Bringing leaders together to envision the future of Christian youth ministry.
FAITH IN ACTION
Creating space for prayer, meaningful encounters, and a renewed commitment to bringing young people closer to Christ.
VOICES OF MISSION AND UNITY
Bishop John Keenan
Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland
Called believers to become missionary disciples, reminding participants that “The Church exists for the Mission, not the Mission for the Church.”
Monsignor Juan Usma Gómez
Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity
Highlighted the importance of humility, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and building authentic friendships across Christian traditions.
Deacon Nathan Gunn
Senior Director of Young Life Catholic Engagement
Invited participants to reflect on Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 and the call to self-sacrificing love.
Brooke Johnston
Senior Vice President of Young Life Europe
Emphasized the importance of working together for the salvation and future of young people.
Yousef Khalil
Young Life Regional Director, Jordan River Region
Shared stories of Christians working together across Palestine, even amid extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
A HISTORIC ENCOUNTER WITH POPE LEO
One of the most meaningful moments of INCONTRO took place at St. Peter's, where the Young Life delegation participated in the General Audience and was officially received by Pope Leo.
During the encounter, the delegation presented the Holy Father with a special dossier containing 100 personal letters and prayers written by Catholic Young Life students, staff, and clergy from around the world.
The Holy Father also showed a particular interest in Young Life's mission in Palestine.
A HOLY HOUR FOR UNITY
INCONTRO concluded in the heart of St. Peter's Basilica with a solemn Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
Together, participants gave thanks for the friendships formed, prayed for Christian unity, and entrusted the future of their shared mission to Christ.
