Pope Francis is set to visit Lisbon and Fatima in August 2023 to participate in World Youth Day (WYD), a global event that gathers young people from around the world for a week of faith, fellowship, and celebration.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis will visit Lisbon and Fatima from August 2-6, 2023.
- The event was postponed from 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The theme for this year’s WYD is “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39).
- This will be the fourth WYD presided over by Pope Francis.
Pope Francis’ Itinerary
Pope Francis will travel to Lisbon from August 2-6, 2023, and will visit the Shrine of Fatima on August 5. This marks his second visit to the Marian pilgrimage site, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually. His first visit was in May 2017 for the centenary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Cova da Iria.
Significance of World Youth Day
World Youth Day is a significant event for the Catholic Church, bringing together young people from all over the globe. It serves as a pilgrimage, a youth festival, and a moment of evangelization. The event aims to inspire a generation to contribute to a more just and supportive world.
Event Highlights
- Welcoming and Opening Ceremony: The event will kick off with a grand welcoming and opening ceremony.
- Way of the Cross: A significant spiritual exercise that will be led by the Pope.
- Vigil: A night of prayer and reflection.
- Closing Mass: The event will conclude with a mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
Organizing Committee
The 2023 edition of WYD is organized by the Patriarchate of Lisbon. The Local Organizing Committee (COL) is led by Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Clemente, and includes Auxiliary Bishops D. Joaquim Mendes and D. Américo Aguiar, along with Executive Secretary Duarte Ricciardi. The event is organized in close cooperation with the Government of Portugal, the Municipality of Lisbon, and the Municipality of Loures.
Historical Context
The 38th World Youth Day was initially scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme for this year’s event, “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39), is inspired by the biblical account of the Visitation, where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth after learning she would be the mother of the Son of God.
Conclusion
World Youth Day 2023 promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together young people from around the world to celebrate their faith and commitment to building a better world. Pope Francis’ presence will undoubtedly add a special significance to the event.
