World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It seeks to promote peace, unity and fraternity among peoples and nations around the world and is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth world. Although its Catholic identity is clearly evident, WYD opens its doors to everyone, no matter how close to or distant from the Church they are.
It is celebrated at the diocesan level on Palm Sunday, and every two, three or four years as an international gathering in a city chosen by the Pope, with the presence of the Holy Father. It brings together millions of young people to celebrate their faith and sense of belonging to the Church.
Its first edition was in Rome in 1986.
The location for WYD changes and it is the Pope who chooses the theme and diocese that will host each WYD. The edition of 2023 is organized by the Patriarchate of Lisbon in close cooperation, with the Government of Portugal and the City Council of Lisbon, Loures, Oeiras and Cascais, and has been granted the High Patronage of the Portuguese Republic.
The theme for WYD Lisbon 2023, will be as Pope Francis’ indications:
«may young people’s evangelization be active and missionary, for this is how they will recognize and witness the presence of the living Christ».
“Days in the dioceses” is a gathering that precedes the week of WYD and involves integrating the young people from all over the world in the parish communities, in the various dioceses of the country and, in some cases, in the dioceses of neighbouring countries. Each diocese is finalizing a program centered on five pillars: Reception, Discovery, Mission, Culture and Sending. The dioceses of Portugal are preparing to receive more than 600 groups of young people from five continents in the week before World Youth Day (WYD).
It will take place in 17 dioceses in Portugal from 26 to 31 July 2023. During these days, the participants can get to know the host region better, as well as the local Church and its features. The pre-WYD for WYD Lisbon 2023 will take place from north to south of Portugal, including the islands. Due to the universal dimension that Fatima gives and its proximity to Lisbon, is particularly requested by groups from the most varied countries and will welcome about 10 000 young people. The Fátima Tourist Office will assume a special importance in the activities to be carried out by the Municipality of Ourém to promote and contact young people and tourists
On the 29th of July, the “Leiria Faith n’ Fun – WYD Day in Leiria” will take place (Leiria, faith and celebration). On this day, the city of Leiria will take on the colors of the World Youth Day as well as the colors of more than 50 flags of the different nationalities that will be welcome.
During these days, participants can get to know better the region that welcomes them, as well as the local Church and its specificities, staying, as in the WYD week, in public, parish facilities or in family homes.
The first big moment of the week will be the Opening Mass, on 1 August, at 7:00 pm, which will be presided by the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Clemente, on the "Colina do Encontro" (Eduardo VII Park).
The Welcome Ceremony will be Pope Francis' first moment with young people from all over the world. Starting at 5:45 pm, this is the moment that marks the third day of WYD Lisbon 2023, on the "Colina do Encontro".
On 4 August, at 6 pm, the Way of the Cross with Pope Francis will take place, also on the "Colina do Encontro". This is the moment to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in His Passion, in one of the most symbolic moments of the week.
The penultimate day of WYD begins with the Pilgrimage to the site of the Vigil, scheduled for 8:45pm, in "Campo da Graça" (Parque Tejo). It is here that the young people and the Pope will pray and adore the Blessed Sacrament.
The closing of World Youth Day week begins at 9am with the Missioning Mass, the last of the Central Events. This ceremony will take place in "Campo da Graça", where pilgrims will stay overnight the night before to attend this moment.
In the afternoon of 6 August, as a way of thanking them for their collaboration, Pope Francis will meet with the WYD Lisbon 2023 Volunteers in Algés, at 16:30pm.
From 1 to 4 August all Pilgrims will be able to visit the City of Joy. On 1, 3 and 4 August, the City of Joy will be open between 9:00 am and 16:00pm. On 2 August, the Vocation Fair can be visited between 9:00am and 22:00pm, while the Park of Forgiveness will be open between 9:00am and 20:00pm.
Between 2 and 4 August, the Rise UP Encounters will take place between 9:30 am and 12:30pm. These meetings will take place across the Host Dioceses.
Pope Francis will take advantage of the trip to travel to the Shrine of Fatima on August 5 where Madonna appeared to three Portuguese children 100 years ago. The pope last visited the shrine in 2017 when he declared two of the children saints.
Throughout the week there will be more than 480 events taking place in more than 100 different spaces for the Youth Festival. From 1 to 6 August, all day long, except for the moments when the Central Events will take place, young people and citizens will be able to enjoy these moments.
