Pope Francis has arrived in Portugal, he will participate in the highly anticipated World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. This momentous event will see His Holiness in the vibrant city of Lisbon from August 2nd to August 6th.
A significant highlight of the Pope’s trip will be a pilgrimage to the renowned Shrine of Fátima on Saturday, August 5th. On this day, Pope Francis will lead the prayer of the Rosary at the esteemed Chapel of the Apparitions, accompanied by young individuals who are unwell.
During his five-day stay in Portugal, marking the second visit of his pontificate, Pope Francis will engage in interactive discussions with students from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Additionally, he will meet with young participants involved in Scholas Occurrentes, an initiative he established in 2013, which now operates in 190 countries, including Portugal.
Following his customary practice during international trips, Pope Francis will hold a private meeting with members of the esteemed Society of Jesus. On Saturday evening, His Holiness will lead a prayer vigil at the majestic Tejo Park. The culmination of the event will be a significant Solemn Mass on the morning of Sunday, August 6th. During this occasion, it is anticipated that Pope Francis will reveal the dates and location of the upcoming World Youth Day.
On Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis will meet with young volunteers who have contributed to the success of the event before returning to his residence in Rome.
The global edition of World Youth Day takes place every three years and stands as the largest youth gathering in the world. The initiative was inaugurated during the pontificate of Saint John Paul II in 1984 and has since been continued by both Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.
Notably, Lisbon will proudly serve as the 13th city to host this inspiring and profoundly significant event.
Here is the official schedule for the Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Portugal for the World Youth Day Lisbon 2023:
**Wednesday, August 2nd: Rome – Lisbon**
– 07:50 – Departure by airplane from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport to Lisbon
– 10:00 – Arrival at Figo Maduro Air Base in Lisbon
– 10:00 – Official Welcome
– 10:45 – Welcome Ceremony at the main entrance of “Palácio Nacional de Belém”
– 11:15 – Courtesy Visit to the President of the Republic at “Palácio Nacional de Belém”
– 12:15 – Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society, and the Diplomatic Corps in the Cultural Centre of Belém
– 16:45 – Meeting with the Prime Minister at the Apostolic Nunciature
– 17:30 – Vespers with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Persons, Seminarians, and Pastoral Workers in “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos” (Lisbon).
**Thursday, August 3rd: Lisbon – Cascais – Lisbon**
– 09:00 – Meeting with University Students at “Universidade Católica Portuguesa”
– 10:40 – Meeting with Young People of Scholas Occurrentes in the Scholas Occurrentes Headquarters in Cascais
– 17:45 – Welcome Ceremony in “Colina do Encontro” (Parque Eduardo VII)
**Friday, August 4th: Lisbon**
– 09:00 – The Holy Father Celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation with some Young People at “Praça do Império”
– 09:45 – Meeting with Representatives of some AID and CHARITY Centres at“Centro Paroquial de Serafina”
– 12:00 – Lunch with Young People at the Apostolic Nunciature
– 18:00 – Stations of the Cross with Young People in “Colina do Encontro” (Parque Eduardo VII)
**Saturday, August 5th: Lisbon – Fatima – Lisbon**
– 08:00 – Departure by helicopter from Figo Maduro Air Base in Lisbon to Fatima
– 08:50 – Arrival at Fatima Stadium
– 09:30 – Recitation of the Holy Rosary with Sick Young People at the Chapel of Apparitions of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
– 11:00 – Departure by helicopter from Fatima Stadium to Lisbon
– 11:50 – Arrival at Figo Maduro Air Base in Lisbon
– 18:00 – Private Meeting with Members of the Society of Jesus at “Colégio de S. João de Brito”
– 20:45 – Vigil with Young People at “Campo da Graça” (Parque Tejo)
**Sunday, August 6th: Lisbon – Rome**
– 09:00 – Holy Mass for World Youth Day at “Campo da Graça” (Parque Tejo)
– 16:30 – Meeting with the Volunteers of WYD at “Passeio marítimo” in Algés
– 17:50 – Farewell Ceremony at Figo Maduro Air Base in Lisbon
– 18:15 – Departure by airplane from Figo Maduro Air Base in Lisbon to Rome
– 22:15 – Arrival at Rome/Fiumicino International Airport
Source: Lisbon WYD 2023
