WYD

The Latest

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

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

Young people from Spain will make a pilgrimage for 40 days to World Youth Day in Lisbon on Aug. 1–6, 2023.

Close to 100 Spanish youths to walk almost 800 miles to World Youth Day in Lisbon

Jun 28, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

This pilgrimage will also serve as a fundraiser to restore the chapel of the old Mental Institute of the Holy... 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

Pope Francis registers for World Youth Day 2023 at the end of his Angelus address on Oct. 23, 2022.

Pope Francis says poor health won’t keep him away from World Youth Day 2023

Jun 22, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a new video, Pope Francis held up a gray, WYD-branded backpack and said, “I’m ready! I already have everything... 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