Rome is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of young Catholics from around the globe for the next International Ministrant Pilgrimage, scheduled for July 31 to August 4, 2028. The pilgrimage, a significant event for the Catholic Church, draws participants from Europe and countries worldwide, offering a unique opportunity for international fellowship and spiritual reflection.
Officials from the International Ministrant Bund (CIM), or “Coetus Internationalis Ministrantium,” announced the dates on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Last held in Rome in 2024
The last international altar server pilgrimage to Rome took place in 2024, attracting approximately 50,000 young people from 20 European nations. Austria was well-represented, with around 3,200 altar servers traveling to Rome by bus. A highlight of that pilgrimage was a joint evening prayer with Pope Francis (2013-2025) in St. Peter’s Square.
The CIM is an international organization uniting those responsible for altar server ministry in numerous countries. Bishop Klaus Krämer of Germany currently serves as its chairman. Krämer expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “When so many young people from Europe and many other parts of the world come to Rome, a special atmosphere is created. People encounter each other across linguistic and national borders, celebrate worship together, and experience very concretely that the Church is a worldwide community. For many altar servers, these days are among the most formative experiences of their church involvement.”
(pm/kap – pr)
