Join Andreas Thonhauser as he shares insights on the exciting final preparations for World Youth Day, where Pope Francis is set to arrive in Lisbon for a memorable gathering of pilgrims from around the globe. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and discover the anticipated highlights of this extraordinary event!
Andreas, can you provide us with further insights into the final preparations for the opening of World Youth Day?
Thank you, Tracy. I am currently at our EWTN studio for the English language, where we will be broadcasting live over the next few days, covering all the events of World Youth Day.
Behind me, you can see the park where Pope Francis will warmly welcome Pilgrims from all corners of the world on Thursday evening. He is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning and will have a full program until Sunday, including a brief visit to the shrine of Fatima, located an hour away from Lisbon by car.
Today, the opening mass is planned to be celebrated on a massive stage in the heart of Lisbon. The altar has a unique wave-like shape, and from this vantage point, one can not only behold the center of the city but also catch a glimpse of the Tagus River flowing into the Atlantic. The honor of celebrating the Holy Mass will be bestowed upon the Patriarch of Lisbon, Cardinal Manuel Clemente.
As for the number of pilgrims, many have already made their way to the city. How many are we expecting?
Yes, as we have been reporting, pilgrims from all corners of the world have gathered in Portugal. Today, the organizers mentioned 354,000 registered pilgrims. However, many are participating in retreats and spiritual exercises outside of Lisbon. Presently, we have approximately 200,000 registered participants in the city. Nonetheless, the organizers reminded us during the press conference that many more are expected to join the weekend celebrations without prior registration. We are still anticipating close to a million faithful to attend the Mass with Pope Francis on Sunday.
Can you share more about the overall atmosphere in Lisbon? Have you had the chance to speak with some of the pilgrims?
The atmosphere is electric! There is an overwhelming sense of excitement among both organizers and pilgrims. I had the opportunity to speak with a group from the United States, and one recurring comment was that the young people have come here to encounter Christ, Tracy. Together with the Holy Father, they wish to celebrate their faith and discern their individual paths in life.
For this reason, the pilgrims will also participate in encounters with the bishops from their home countries. These sessions, known as Rise Up, will provide young people with the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with their bishops. This innovative format of catechesis will focus on topics dear to Pope Francis, such as friendship, ecology, and mercy.
And tomorrow, Pope Francis will arrive?
Exactly, tomorrow morning, Pope Francis will touch down in Lisbon. His first engagements will be meetings with representatives of the government and civil authorities, followed by interactions with bishops, priests, and seminarians at the renowned monastery of Geronimo. Finally, on Thursday, he will make his way to this beautiful park to receive a warm welcome from the Pilgrims.
