The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association released a statement celebrating the group’s involvement in the Noi Festival Roma November 4th and 5th. The two-day event was organized by over 800 evangelical churches and saw over 20,000 people attend the event, with Franklin Graham speaking to the crowd at the Palazzo dello Sport. An outdoor screening area was required for overflow as the stadium has 18,000 seats. This is the second year for the event, but the first time for it to be held in Rome. Last year’s event was in Milan, with 13,000 people in attendance. That gathering broke attendance records for the Mediolanum Forum, Milan’s largest indoor venue. This year’s event was the first of its kind in Rome, in a country where nearly 80% of its population identifies as Catholic. The event also featured music performed by Grammy nominees Michael W. Smith and Kari Jobe. “In the face of daunting challenges confronting both Rome and the world, including a war in Europe, fractured families, and a loss of core values, we eagerly anticipate a message that will kindle the flames of hope and love within our hearts,” said Antonio Marino, a minister who also helped with the event.  

In a press release, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association called the event “monumental.” “About 200 buses from around the country converged on Rome, filled with church members and friends they invited who don’t know Jesus Christ,” the release added. Graham shared the Gospel with the crowd, saying, “Your soul will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell. So the decision you make tonight may change the destiny of your soul. God is anxious to forgive you. He will do that tonight, but you’ve got to come to Him through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.” The release reported that over 1,000 people made a decision to follow Christ. It shared the story of a woman named Patricia. She and her family had attended a church in Naples that had invited them to come to the event on a bus. For years, Patricia had struggled with guilt for an abortion she’d had 20 years ago. On Sunday, she came to Christ and asked for forgiveness. “I’m a sinner and still have some problems, but Jesus forgives us. We know that Jesus has forgiven us by going to the cross,” she said. Her husband and 16-year-old son also became Christians.

Marino stressed the importance of hearing about a relationship with Christ. “Many churches offer religion, but a relationship with Jesus Christ is a totally different thing,” he said. Despite nearly 80% of Italians identifying as Catholic, only 19% attend services weekly, with 31% never attending. “You can get to know Him,” said Marino. “If you really would know who Jesus is, if you really would know who God is and what He wants to do in your life and with your life, you would fall in love with Him.”