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 from August 2nd to 6th and brings with it numerous visitors, which promises to leave a positive impact on Portuguese youth. World Youth Day (WYD) takes place in Parque Tejo, in the Nations’ Park 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. The first edition then took place in Rome in 1986.

WYD is a meeting between the Pope and young people from all over the world. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, 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 rich religious and cultural history, dating back centuries, reflected in its beautiful churches, monasteries, and cathedrals.

The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and, of course, 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 prepare eagerly for the occasion. From the construction of the stage in Parque Tejo to the Altar-Stage in Parque Eduardo VII, everything is being prepared down to the smallest detail.

In Parque Tejo-Trancão is the altar-stage where the vigil and the closing Mass presided over by the Holy Father will take place. In Parque Eduardo VII, a secondary stage has been set up, where three central WYD events will be held: the opening Mass, the welcome ceremony, and the Way of the Cross.

In addition, WYD will take place in other parts of Lisbon:

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

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

This event draws pilgrims from all over the world to Lisbon and, as such, 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 believers in the region. The presence of the most important religious leader in the world 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 head of state of the Vatican has a profound impact on the city’s identity, strengthening its connection to religion and highlighting the importance of spirituality in young people’s lives.

In addition, the presence of visitors from abroad brings a significant economic boost to Lisbon. Restaurants, hotels, and shops will benefit from their arrival, boosting the city’s economy. The Pope’s visit is also a “boost” for tourism, especially for those who want to experience the unique atmosphere the city has to offer.

Pope Francis’ visit to Lisbon attracts a variety of visitors from around the world, and the city is preparing to welcome them with great hospitality and enthusiasm. This diversity 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 also 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 route of the current head of state of the Vatican and the timings of each event, click here.