An Unexpected Journey
Pilgrimages are always full of surprises—rarely what you initially expect. But it's not often the biggest surprise comes even before the journey has even begun.
Just a week ago, if you had asked the Diocese of Westminster’s group of 20 young adults and sixth formers how they expected to feel stepping into Gatwick Airport at 7am, coffee and carry-ons in hand, their answers would’ve been easy: excited, optimistic, hopeful. After all, we thought we were on our way to witness history, the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to become the first millennial saint.
But as we often learn, God’s plan is rarely straightforward, and almost never predictable.
Following the unexpected passing of Pope Francis on Monday, the canonisation has been postponed. In a moment, the entire focus of our pilgrimage has shifted. We are no longer in Rome to celebrate the remarkable life of Blessed Carlo and the example he offers. Instead, we are here for something even more momentous: the funeral of a pope.
Settling into our hotel, the atmosphere was unmistakable. A short walk brings us to the balcony where Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday just days ago, though it now feels like a lifetime has passed.
Shortly we were greeted by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, who joined us for a lunch and will be accompanying us on this journey.
Yet even in the stillness, one thing stands out: the number of young people pouring into the Eternal City. Despite the sadness, there is an undercurrent of energy and purpose. This weekend still marks the Jubilee of Teenagers, and on Sunday, we’ll be part of that celebration.
Perhaps this will be the real message of our pilgrimage: that the Church, like life itself, holds both grief and hope in the same breath. That even as we mourn the Holy Father, we are also witnesses to continuity, to legacy, and to the enduring presence of a renewal of faith in the Church.
We came expecting to witness a saint made. Instead, we are here to honour a pope laid to rest. And in doing so, we find ourselves part of a deeper, more mysterious journey—one we never planned for, but one that will, no doubt, shape us just the same.
