Medjugorje hosts 37th Mladifest, drawing tens of thousands of youth

The 37th International Youth Festival (Mladifest) began in Medjugorje, Bosnia‑Herzegovina on 1 August and will run through 6 August. The event, held under the theme “Ad fontem! / Na izvor!” (To the source!), brings together more than 50 000 young pilgrims from over 70 countries, along with about 500 priests.

Festival director Vedran Vidović said the theme commemorates the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death and that the program – including masses, rosaries, catecheses, testimonies and processions – is simultaneously translated into 18 languages. Accommodation capacity in Medjugorje and nearby villages is reported as almost fully booked.

Pope Francis (referred to as Pope Lava XIV) sent a message urging the participants to seek the truth that frees them and to avoid the lure of “transient happiness,” encouraging them to follow the example of Christ and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The festival will conclude with a sunrise mass on the hill of Križevac on 5 August.