THE CENTER
A hidden treasure in the heart of the St. Peter’s neighborhood, it is the Vatican’s youth center.
OUR STORY
The Centro Internazionale Giovanile San Lorenzo was founded in 1983 at the initiative of Pope St. John Paul II, who was deeply committed to dialogue with young people. From the very beginning of his pontificate, he desired to offer them a space in Rome where they could feel welcomed, supported in their faith, and united with the universal Church.
The idea took shape around the church of San Lorenzo in Piscibus, a small, ancient church tucked away in a narrow street just a few steps from St. Peter’s Square. Having fallen into disuse, the church was restored and entrusted to the youth by the Pope himself. His vision was to make it a vibrant place of prayer, encounter, and mission — in the very heart of the Vatican.
The Center officially opened its doors on March 13, 1983. It quickly became a gathering point for young people from all over the world, especially during major events such as World Youth Day (WYD), which John Paul II would launch two years later, in 1985. In fact, the WYD Cross — now a central symbol of these gatherings — was handed over to the youth for the first time at the San Lorenzo Center by the Pope himself.
Pope Saint John Paul II returned to the San Lorenzo Center several times after its inauguration, showing his personal attachment to this place and the mission entrusted to young people. He would come to pray, meet the volunteers, and encourage this “oasis of faith” in the heart of Rome. His successor, Pope Benedict XVI, also answered the call — he too visited the Center, continuing the spiritual closeness of the Holy See with young people from all over the world. Each papal visit has strengthened the unique role of the Center as a bridge between young people and the heart of the Church.
Since then, the CSL has continued to welcome, animate, pray, and evangelize — carried forward by a team of international volunteers and the living faith of all who walk through its door...
«YOU, THE YOUNG, YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH, YOU ARE MY HOPE»
SAINT JOHN PAUL II INAUGURATION'S SPEECH OF THE CSL, MARCH 13, 1983.
A CENTER AT THE HEART OF WORLD YOUTH DAY SINCE THE BEGINNING
Since its foundation in 1983 by Pope Saint John Paul II, the San Lorenzo Center has always been deeply connected to World Youth Day (WYD). This bond is not merely historical — it is spiritual, missionary, and profoundly symbolic.
WYD is a major international gathering of young Catholics, initiated in 1985 by John Paul II. Its goal is to offer young people from all over the world a powerful experience of faith, unity, and encounter — with Christ, with the universal Church, and with the successor of Peter. Every two or three years, a different city hosts this unique event, blending prayer, catechesis, celebrations, joyful moments, and cultural exchange.The next edition will be held in Seoul in 2027.
The San Lorenzo Center, just steps away from St. Peter’s Basilica, was the birthplace of this spiritual adventure. It was here that John Paul II entrusted the WYD Cross to young people for the very first time, giving them “the mission to carry it throughout the world as a sign of Christ’s love for humanity.” Since then, this cross has become the emblematic symbol of WYD and the spiritual pilgrimage of new generations.
Even today, the CSL remains a place of welcome, preparation, and prayer for young people on their journey toward WYD. It continues to serve as a bridge between Rome and the youth of the world — a space where the spirit of WYD lives on all year long: fraternal hospitality, mission, the joy of the Gospel, and deep roots in the faith.
LAST WYD AT LISBON, 2023 WITH THE WYD CROSS OF THE CSL
THE STORY OF THE WYD IN 2 MINUTES
THE WYD CROSS
During the Holy Year of Redemption (1983–1984), Pope John Paul II made a surprising observation: no cross stood out visibly in St. Peter’s Basilica. He therefore decided to place a simple, unadorned cross near the altar. At the close of this Jubilee Year, on April 22, 1984, he solemnly entrusted this Cross to the young people, addressing them with words that have since become historic:
“Dear young people, I entrust to you the sign of this Jubilee Year: the Cross of Christ! Carry it throughout the world as a sign of the Lord Jesus’ love for humanity, and proclaim that in Him alone — crucified and risen — is found salvation and redemption.”
This was the birth of the World Youth Day Cross. First carried in procession by the youth of the San Lorenzo Center in Rome, it quickly became the traveling symbol of World Youth Day. Since then, it has journeyed from country to country, carried by thousands of young people to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Since 1984, this Cross has been borne through streets, churches, prisons, schools — and into places marked by war, suffering, and hope. Present at every World Youth Day, always near the altar, it stands as a living sign of the unity of the universal Church. Devoid of the body of Christ, the Cross expresses both the suffering of humanity and the hope of resurrection. It reminds us that the Cross — once an instrument of death — has become a sign of unity, love, and hope for all Christians.
When not on pilgrimage, the Cross returns to its home: the San Lorenzo International Youth Center, just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope John Paul II himself affirmed this center as the official home of the Cross. For over 40 years, San Lorenzo has been a place of prayer, welcome, formation, and mission, animated by young people from around the world eager to live and share their faith.
Today, we are deeply honored to welcome this historic Cross to our center. Its presence connects us to millions of young pilgrims who, through it, have encountered the love of Christ and the transforming power of the Gospel.
May it be, for each one of us, a call to peace, unity, faith, and the joy of following Christ !
CENTRO SAN LORENZO
THE CENTER
TODAY
Our Spaces
*You can rent free our spaces in our webpage "Booking Space"
Click! Il Muro delle Foto
Reception of the Center
Come in, smile… Click! Right at the entrance, you’ll find our Photo Wall: a vibrant patchwork of over 300 images. It’s the perfect spot to take your first photo at the San Lorenzo Youth Center!
+39 06 6988 5332
Free Wi-Fi Space
Reception of the Center
Here, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi with no need to use your mobile data. Connect, stay in touch, share a memory… all without spending a single megabyte!
+39 06 6988 5332
the church of the center
San Lorenzo In Piscibus Church*
A true hidden gem just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica.
This peaceful and quiet church offers a perfect place for reflection and prayer. You are welcome to come here for a moment of silence or spiritual pause. It is also possible to book a Mass in this church or to organize other events. While weddings and baptisms are not permitted, the space is available for other significant celebrations
Il viale delle bandiere
Entrance of the Center
Along this Flag Avenue, true to the spirit of an international center, you’ll find benches where you can pause for a moment of rest or quiet reflection
+39 06 6988 5332
Sala Sotto
Space below the reception*
Just below the reception area, down a few steps underground, you'll find a room that can host up to 80 people. Perfect for conferences, workshops, screenings, meetings, training sessions, or cultural events, this room is fully equipped to meet your needs. Its discreet location makes it a quiet space, ideal for focus, attentive listening, and creativity. Whether for a small gathering or a more formal event, this room is ready to welcome you
Free Restrooms
Reception of the Center
We are happy to offer you access to 2 free restrooms, a rare service in the Saint Peter's area and its surroundings. It's a small gesture to make your visit even more comfortable and convenient!
+39 06 6988 5332
