Celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration, the light of WYD will now be shone home as pilgrims return.
Seoul, South Korea, has been announced as the host of World Youth Day 2027, making it the first in mainland Asia to be host.
For more information, check out our News and Updates page.
To read Pope Francis' homily, look here, and to read about the announcement of WYD Seoul, look here!
During the commissioning mass of August 6th, 2023, Pope Francis said to the young people present:
"Jesus himself is looking at you now, he who knows you and reads your innermost being; he looks into your heart, he knows your joys and sorrows, your successes and defeats. And he says to you today, here in Lisbon, at this World Youth Day: 'Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid! Be encouraged!'".
For the full text of his commissioning homily, look here!
Pope Francis led the Stations of the Cross in Lisbon. In commemoration of the Passion, the Stations of the Cross is a popular devotion of Our Lord's Crucifixion.
The Pope said to those present, "Jesus walks, but the way that is most engraved in our hearts is the way of Calvary, the way of the cross. And today you go with prayer, we, me too, with prayer to renew the way of the cross. And let us look at Jesus who is passing by and let us walk with him."
On August 1st, 2023, Cardinal Manuel Clemente, Patriarch of Lisbon, celebrated the welcoming mass and gave his homily to all those gathered in the Colina do Encontro.
During his homily, Cardinal Clemente told young people, "Mary carried in her womb the 'blessed fruit' that was Jesus. Christians also carry Him, spiritually and actually because they receive Him in the Word, the sacraments, and in charity, where He offers Himself. Since we believe in Jesus as a path to God, we walk with Him to bring Him to others. With the same impulse that led Mary, in the same Spirit that leads us, let us head out!"
For the full text of his homily and a recording of it, follow this link to the official WYD 2023 website.
Cardinal-Patriarch Manuel Clemente officially welcomed Pope Francis to Lisbon.
The Pope was a part of several events and activities. He participated in the completion of mural, delivered an address to students of the Catholic University of Lisbon, and spoke with priests, religious, and pastoral workers.
The official theme song for World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 is entitled "Há Pressa no Ar,” inspired by the theme for World Youth Day 2023. “Há Pressa no Ar” has lyrics by João Paulo Vaz, a priest, and music by Pedro Ferreira, teacher, and musician, both from the Diocese of Coimbra, in the centre region of Portugal. The arrangements were made by the musician Carlos Garcia.
Two versions of the song were recorded: one in Portuguese and one international version that is sung in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The idea behind the song is that young people will identify with Mary to serve and transform the world.
Listen to the Official Theme Song here
Our Lady of the Visitation, you who left in haste towards the mountain to meet Elizabeth, lead us also to meet all those who await us to deliver them the living Gospel: Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord! We will go in a hurry, with no distraction or delay, but with readiness and joy. We will go peacefully, because those who take Christ take peace, and well doing is the best wellbeing. Our Lady of the Visitation, with your inspiration, this World Youth Day will be the mutual celebration of the Christ we take, as You once did. Make it a time of testimony and sharing, fraternization, and giving thanks, each of us looking for the others who always wait. With you, we will continue on this path of gathering, so that our world will gather as well, in fraternity, justice and peace. Help us, Our Lady of the Visitation, to bring Christ to everyone, obeying the Father, in the love of the Spirit!