World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon

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Hundreds of thousands of people attended the opening Mass for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 1, 2023.

World Youth Day 2023: Lisbon patriarch greets attendees at opening Mass

Aug 1, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

World Youth Day 2023 kicked off in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 1 with an opening Mass attended by hundreds of thousands... Read more

Soccer player Olivier Giroud, center forward for France, in victory over Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

French soccer player Olivier Giroud sends WYD message to 40,000 French pilgrims 

Aug 1, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The 36-year-old striker sent a message to the youth of France in Lisbon encouraging them to become “missionary disciples” and... Read more

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As World Youth Day kicks off, ACN champions cause of persecuted Christians worldwide

Aug 1, 2023

By AC Wimmer

The aim is to encourage pilgrims and participants to actively support the suffering Church in their own countries. Read more

Pope Francis addresses the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in his Sunday Angelus on July 16, 2023.

This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for August 2023

Aug 1, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The pope’s prayer intention this month is for World Youth Day 2023, which is being held this week in Lisbon,... Read more

Participants at World Youth Day 2023 in in Lisbon, Portugal.

World Youth Day: 96% of pilgrims think gatherings contribute to evangelization

Jul 31, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

Among the motivations for attending the international meeting with the pope is “encountering Jesus Christ” followed by “living new experiences.” Read more

Daiane Silva Pereira, 29, has been to every World Youth Day that Pope Francis has attended. Each of them played an important role in her discernment of religious life and now she's in Lisbon for WYD 2023 as a member of the religious community Comunidade Canção Nova.

Brazilian missionary developed her vocation by following Pope Francis’ WYD events

Jul 31, 2023

By ACI Digital

Daiane Silva Pereira has been to three World Youth Days and is now at WYD Lisbon with members of her... Read more

Pope Francis addresses the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in his Sunday Angelus on July 16, 2023.

Pope Francis calls Russia to renew Ukraine grain deal

Jul 30, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, that the Black Sea Initiative be restored and grain... Read more

Outdoor Mass with the WYD Lisbon 2023 volunteers as they prepare for World Youth Day to begin Aug 2.

8 unique things to know about World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon

Jul 30, 2023

By Clara Raimundo

As pilgrims stream into Portugal for World Youth Day in Lisbon, here’s a preview of some of the more interesting... Read more

The Love family pictured a couple of years ago, before their youngest, Edmund, was born.

Off to WYD: Maryland family of 10 heads to Lisbon for special pilgrimage

Jul 29, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The Love family, whose eight children range from ages 1–18, are heading to Portugal and will then visit holy sites... Read more

World Youth Day 2023 pilgrims.

WYD: Young people ‘don’t need reefers or condoms’ to have a good time, Spanish bishop says

Jul 28, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

Bishop Demetrio Fernández of Córdoba, Spain, reflected on the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, in his recent weekly... Read more

The official logo of World Youth Day Lisbon. Photo courtesy Beatriz Roque Antunez.

Here are answers to your questions about World Youth Day 2023

Jul 28, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

As WYD2023 in Lisbon draws near, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about this international event. Read more

Father Ignacio Bello was surprised to receive a handwritten letter from the pope himself inviting him and his group of World Youth Day pilgrims to the Holy Father’s Vatican residence on the morning of July 25, 2023.

World Youth Day pilgrims from Mexico surprised by private visit with Pope Francis

Jul 27, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Father Ignacio Bello received a handwritten letter from the pope himself inviting him and his group of pilgrims to the... Read more

World Youth Day 2023 headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.

As WYD in Lisbon is set to begin, volunteers express excitement and ‘immense joy’

Jul 27, 2023

By Clara Raimundo

Volunteers working tirelessly at World Youth Day headquarters in Lisbon are getting ready to welcome participants from across the world. Read more

A screenshot from Pope Francis' May 4 video message to young people attending World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Pope Francis speaks to young people ahead of World Youth Day in ‘Popecast’

Jul 25, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

“God loves us just as we are,” the Holy Father said, adding that “the Lord always accompanies us, always. Even... Read more

At World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Nelson Cintra (at left in top row) was changed by Christ — and now he will go to Lisbon as a new priest for World Youth Day 2023, Aug. 1–6.

‘Give your life to Jesus’: How a World Youth Day put a young man on the path to priesthood

Jul 25, 2023

By Lori Hadacek Chaplin

At World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Nelson Cintra knelt and prayed: “Christ, I give you my whole life.” Read more

Portuguese pilgrims at WYD 2019, excited that their home country is set to host the next World Youth Day.

Here’s how many American pilgrims are headed to World Youth Day in Lisbon

Jul 24, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

Pope Francis will be joining the pilgrims at World Youth Day Aug. 1–6, which has the theme “Mary arose and... Read more

A group of young people left Troyes, France, and will be cycling an average of 56 miles a day, until they reach Celorico de Basto, to participate in the Days in the Dioceses.

WYD2023: Pilgrims cycle to Lisbon; pope to receive bicycles upon arrival 

Jul 24, 2023

By Clara Raimundo 

Two pilgrimage groups are already cycling their way to Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Read more

Pope Francis invited young people from Portugal to join him in the window of the Apostolic Palace for the World Youth Day announcement in October 2022.

Pope Francis expected to meet with abuse victims at World Youth Day in Portugal

Jul 21, 2023

By Daniel Payne

The Holy Father will meet with victims as part of his multi-day visit to Lisbon, Portugal, in early August.  Read more

Father Rob Galea will perform "Emmanuel Forever" with Shevin McCullough of Studio 3:16 at WYD2023 in Lisbon.

Florida recording artist to perform at World Youth Day 2023

Jul 20, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Shevin McCullough from Studio 3:16 will join Australian singer-songwriter Father Rob Galea at World Youth Day to perform a new... Read more

Members of "Priests in Concert" perform to raise money for youth to attend World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Group of priests start band to raise money to send youth to World Youth Day 2023

Jul 16, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

“Priests in Concert” is composed of nine priests from the Archdiocese of Washington. Read more