An estimated 1 MILLION people were at the Jubilee Mass for Youth on the outskirts of Rome on Sunday.

They included Archbishop Cushley, Fr Robert Taylor of St Mary's Cathedral and our young adult pilgrims.

Steven Jeffrey, of St Mary's, Haddington, described the experience as "phenomenal".

He said: "I was struck be the emotion...it was really encouraging to see so many young people active and devoted to their faith in the modern world.

“I really wanted to see the fullness of the church and it’s not every opportunity you get to go every 25 years, it's perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity which I just had to do."

Pilgrims from the Archdiocese outside Sant'Agnese in Rome, with Archbishop Leo and Fr Robert Taylor (third from left).

Ben Waller (24), of St Margaret’s, South Queensferry, said: "You watch footage of people seeing the Pope but when you are there mongst it and see the excitement, it’s beautiful.

"People truly love the pope and what he represents. It’s the first time I’ve been in Rome and there was no better time to attend than the Youth Jubilee."

“It was very powerful. It was lovely experience. Phenomenal.”

The pilgrims return today (Monday 4 August) following a special week in Rome for the Archdiocese's Young Adult Pilgrimage in the Jubilee.

Archbishop Cushley, who concelebrated at the Youth Mass, said: "Seeing so many young people here was a powerful witness to the vitality off the global church.

"The energy they brought was joyful and contagious, yet there was a deep sense of reverence and prayerfulness.

"It's a reminder that the future of our faith, rooted in Christ, is vibrant."