With a rich history spanning over 20 centuries and adorned with seven hills, the enchanting Portuguese capital of Lisbon is abuzz with preparations to host the highly anticipated World Youth Day (WYD). The headquarters of WYD is a hive of activity as dedicated staff gear up to welcome pilgrims from every corner of the globe.
Diversity is at the core of WYD, and volunteers are working tirelessly, representing different continents, movements, and congregations. One group is focused on handling visas, ensuring that young people from all countries can participate in this grand event.
Bishop Américo Aguiar, Auxiliary Bishop of Lisboa , is responsible for shaping the tone and theme of World Youth Day. In an interview, he expressed his excitement, comparing the approaching event to a defibrillator that gives new life to the heart. “We are really looking forward to welcoming young people from all over the world for a meeting with Pope Francis, but above all, we are excited about them meeting with the living Christ. That is why we are very much looking forward to the arrival of the big day,” the Bishop said with anticipation.
The vision and aspirations of Pope Francis for World Youth Day in Lisbon are profound. He seeks to create a pivotal moment for the youth, especially after the world has weathered a pandemic, economic crises, and conflicts. The Pope’s hope lies in fostering a culture of encounter among the participants, encouraging love, care, and support for one another. It is his desire to see young people becoming better individuals, guided by the teachings of Christ.
One of the pressing concerns surrounding the event is accommodation for the expected massive influx of pilgrims. Organizers predict that anywhere between 1 and 2 million people will attend, while Lisbon’s current population stands at around 500,000 residents. However, Mayor Carlos Moedas reassures everyone that solutions will be found, leveraging the warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese people. “There are a lot of families that are opening their places. We are opening schools. Places that people can sleep and stay. And if there is one characteristic of the Portuguese people, it’s that people like to host foreign people. They like to receive. They like to have people at home,” Mayor Moedas said optimistically.
The cost of hosting World Youth Day is significant, estimated to exceed 100 million euros. The Catholic Church is contributing 80 million euros, and the Portuguese State is supporting with an additional 30 million euros. The expenses have faced scrutiny, with the staging area for the Pope’s final Mass undergoing revisions to bring down costs. Bishop Américo Aguiar acknowledges the financial burden but emphasizes that the investment goes beyond mere economics. “This is an investment that will have a return. And of course, not just an economic return, but more importantly a spiritual return in terms of changing the lives of these young people,” he affirmed.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, young Portuguese Catholics are thrilled to welcome pilgrims from around the world. They see this event as an opportunity for their country to help others grow in their faith and share the message of Christ. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they believe that the journey in Lisbon can lead to a transformative experience for all participants.
