World Youth Day 2023

Lisbon is preparing to host a truly sacred event this summer—World Youth Day. At the same time, it is a city of contrasts, where ancient cathedrals stand side by side with trendy cafés and street art.

The Pope’s visit takes place between August 2nd and 6th and brings with it countless visitors, which promises to leave a positive impact on Portuguese youth. World Youth Day (WYD) takes place in Parque Tejo, in the Parque das Nações area, and it is estimated that this event will bring 1.2 million young people to Lisbon.

Although his health is weak, doctors have given the green light for Pope Francis to travel and take part in WYD.

Whether you’re a devout Catholic or simply a traveler curious about the fusion of faith and culture, enjoy the holy summer in Lisbon.

Pope Francis, whose name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17th, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Francis is the first Latin American, Jesuit pope to use the name “Francis”.

The son of an accountant father and a domestic mother, he graduated as a chemical technician and later chose the path of the priesthood.

Between 1964 and 1966 he worked as a teacher in two colleges.

In 1969 he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. Continuing his teaching career until he became rector of two more colleges, Cardinal Antonio Quarracino invited him to be his close collaborator in Buenos Aires.

On May 20, 1992, John Paul II appointed him titular bishop of Auca and auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. Later, in 1998, he was appointed Archbishop of Argentina. In 2001, he was given the title of Cardinal-Priest of San Roberto Bellarmino.

Finally, on March 13th, 2013, he was elected Pope, becoming the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.

WYD is a religious event founded by Pope John Paul II on December 20, 1985. Thus, the first edition was held in Rome in 1986.

WYD is a meeting between the Pope and young people from all over the world. Furthermore, it is also a pilgrimage, a youth festival, an expression of the universal Church, and a moment of evangelization for the younger generation.

On January 27, 2019, it was announced that Pope Francis chose Lisbon to host the next edition of World Youth Day. This choice was motivated by the city’s precious religious and cultural history, dating back centuries, evidenced by its beautiful churches, monasteries, and cathedrals.

The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and certainly, this visit brings with it a divine energy and a message of hope. For Catholics, it is a unique opportunity to connect with their faith and receive the papal blessing.

As the Pope’s arrival approaches, anticipation grows and locals eagerly prepare for this occasion. From the construction of the stage in Parque Tejo to the Altar-Stage in Parque Eduardo VII, everything is prepared in detail.

The altar-stage where the vigil and the sending mass presided over by the Holy Father will take place is located in Parque Tejo-Trancão. A secondary stage is set up in Parque Eduardo VII, where three central WYD events are scheduled: the opening mass, the welcoming ceremony, and the Stations of the Cross.

In addition, WYD will take place at other points in Lisbon:

– In Belém, the City of Joy will be installed in the Jardim Vasco da Gama;

– The Youth Festival which “offers more than three hundred events in more than 100 spaces in the city, including stages, auditoriums, cinemas, theaters, museums, exhibition spaces, and churches,” according to the Lisbon City Council. Some of these events will take place at Terreiro do Paço, Alameda D. Afonso Henriques, and Parque da Belavista.

This event draws pilgrims from all over the world to Lisbon and therefore brings with it inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and faith.

The Pope’s arrival in Lisbon is an event of great significance for the city and for the faithful of the region. The presence of the world’s most important religious leader brings with it an aura of meaning and importance, not only for the city but also for the country as a whole.

The visit of the current Vatican head of state has a profound impact on the city’s identity, reinforcing its connection with religion and highlighting the importance of spirituality in the lives of young people.

Furthermore, the presence of foreign visitors brings a significant economic impact to Lisbon. Restaurants, hotels, and shops alike will benefit from their arrival, which boosts the city’s economy. The Pope’s visit is also a “boost” for tourism, especially for those who wish to experience the unique atmosphere the city has to offer.

Pope Francis’ visit to Lisbon attracts a variety of visitors from all over the world and the city prepares to welcome them with great hospitality and enthusiasm. The diversity of people creates an environment of cultural exchange, where young people have the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

During WYD, the Pope will certainly meet with refugee students, representatives of other religions, victims of sexual abuse in the Church, and event volunteers.

If you want to know in detail the itinerary of the current Vatican head of state and the times of each event, click here.