St. Stanislaus Kostka pilgrimage concludes in Rome

A relay pilgrimage following the footsteps of St. Stanislaus Kostka has concluded in Rome, marking the 300th anniversary of his canonization. Approximately 160 to 200 participants traveled roughly 1,700 km from Vienna through Austria, Germany, and Italy to reach the Church of Sant'Andrea al Quirinale.

The journey, organized by the Diocese of Płock, aimed to pray for new religious vocations and encourage young people to make courageous life decisions. During the final Mass, Cardinal Gianfranco SJ emphasized that the strength of St. Stanislaus came from faithfulness to God's will despite external misunderstandings.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the pilgrims during a general audience, offering blessings to the participants, particularly the seminarians and pilgrims from the Diocese of Płock. He encouraged the faithful to pray for youth, asking that they, inspired by St. Stanislaus and St. Aloysius Gonzaga, would not fear making bold life choices in service to God and others.