World Youth Day

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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

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

Bishop Américo Aguiar.

WYD is an invitation to young people to experience God, explains future Portuguese cardinal

Bishop Américo Aguiar, an auxiliary bishop of Lisbon, made the statement July 6 in an interview with RTP Notícias. Read more

Pedro Silva, in one of the confessionals that he helped build over the last few months in prison.

From prison to World Youth Day: Man builds 50 confessionals to be used for pilgrims

Jul 8, 2023

By Clara Raimundo

After six years in prison, Pedro Silva will soon find himself at WYD2023 where the confessionals he built will be... Read more

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

One month until World Youth Day, a look at the numbers

Jul 2, 2023

By Clara Raimundo

Some 313,000 from 151 countries have completed their registrations already, including 14,435 Americans. Read more

Pope Francis prays in front of a crucifix during his general audience on Oct. 26, 2022.

Pope Francis sends heartfelt message to 17-year-old girl suffering from serious illness

Jun 23, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

“Edna, I received your letter; thank you! Thank you for your tenderness and thank you for the peace in your... Read more

A statue of St. Anthony in Lisbon’s Church of St. Anthony.

Here’s what the Portuguese want you to know about St. Anthony of Padua before World Youth Day

Jun 13, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The famous Franciscan saint was not born where most people assume he was. In August, World Youth Day participants can... Read more

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

Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon

Jun 6, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ schedule for his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 was published by the Vatican on Tuesday. Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on June 17, 2015.

It’s official: Pope Francis will travel to World Youth Day, visit Fatima

May 22, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The Lisbon trip will mark the 86-year-old pope’s fourth World Youth Day after taking part in the international Catholic gatherings... Read more

The Vatican has withdrawn a commemorative stamp for the 2023 World Youth Day.

Vatican withdraws World Youth Day 2023 stamp after criticism in Portugal

May 19, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

The stamp’s design drew negative comments because it “recalls a colonial past very distant from Pope Francis’ message of universal... Read more

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

‘See you in Lisbon,’ Pope Francis shares message 3 months before World Youth Day 2023

May 4, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

The message was published on May 4, just under three months before the Aug. 1-6 international gathering. Read more

Pope Francis greets World Youth Day pilgrims in Panama.

PHOTOS: A look back at 10 years of Pope Francis’ participation in World Youth Days

Mar 11, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

In the 10 years of his papacy, the Holy Father has exhorted young people at World Youth Days to answer... Read more

Logos of WYD Lisbon 2023 and the 2030 Agenda.

Spanish bishop: Reference to UN’s Agenda 2030 on World Youth Day website was ‘a mistake’

Jan 31, 2023

By CNA Staff

The bishop of Orihuela-Alicante in Spain, José Ignacio Munilla, called the reference to the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 on the... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims near the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Fatima apparitions on May 12, 2017.

Pope Francis: World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon will open horizons, hearts

Jan 20, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“Get ready for this: to open horizons, to open your hearts,” Pope Francis said. Read more