More than 1.5 million people at WYD in Lisbon
Francis invited young believers to "have no fear" and "build a future of peace." Seoul, host of the next edition of the meeting, in 2027.
More than 1.5 million young people set out to Lisbon to meet Pope Francis at the World Youth Day (WYD), held in the Portuguese capital. The pontiff called on the pilgrims to "continue walking" and, above all, to "not be afraid" and "build a future of peace." At the end of the event, Francis announced that the next WYD, in 2027, will be held in Seoul (South Korea) and that in 2025 the Youth Jubilee will take place in Rome.
The Pope shares "the dream of Peace"
During the Saturday night vigil and Sunday Mass, the Pope focused his message especially on two ideas: Do not be afraid and World Peace. Regarding the second concept, the pontiff again brought to mind the war in Ukraine and all those who could not attend the event because of armed conflicts and invited those present to share his dream, "the dream of Peace":
"Not retiring from life"
The Pontiff also invited the pilgrims to "dare," to "not to retire from life," and not to remain idle, but to work actively for a better world. Something that is only possible through "listening to Jesus," to his word. "We do not become luminous when we put ourselves under the spotlight, when we exhibit a perfect image and feel strong and successful. We become luminous when welcoming Jesus we learn to love like him. That makes us luminous. That leads us to do works of love. Do not deceive yourself, my friend, you will be light the day you do works of love," Francis pointed out.
Meeting with victims of abuse
During his visit to Portugal, Francis met with a group of victims of abuse by members of the Catholic Church, to whom he asked forgiveness on behalf of the institution. Later, meeting with the Portuguese clergy, the Pope called for "a humble and constant purification, starting from the cry of pain of the victims, who must always be welcomed and listened to" and lamented "the disillusionment and anger that some people nourish in relation to the Church, in some cases because of our bad witness and the scandals that have disfigured her face."
Next stop for WYD, Seoul 2027 via Rome 2025
At the end of the Mass, as is traditional, the Pope announced the place where the next WYD will be held. It will be in 2027, in Seoul, capital of South Korea. Before that, in 2025, the Youth Jubilee will be held in Rome.