Pope Francis to Youth: Ride the Waves of Love at World Youth Day 2023!

On a sunny August morning in Lisbon yesterday, Pope Francis addressed a vibrant sea of young Catholics at the closing of World Youth Day 2023. Encouraging them with the words, “Be not afraid,” he recalled the inspiring message of his predecessor, St. John Paul II.

Gazing across the vast “Field of Grace,” the pope passionately declared, “It is Jesus himself who is looking at you in this moment.” He emphasized Jesus’ deep understanding of their joys, sorrows, and struggles, urging them, “Be not afraid, take heart.”

Celebrated at Parque Tejo, the event attracted a staggering 1.5 million attendees. The week-long spiritual festival, from Aug. 1-6, filled Lisbon with prayer, music, talks, and cultural happenings. Another heartwarming sight, he mentioned, was the throngs heading towards the reconciliation park, seeking solace.

During his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the festival’s profound impact. He asked the gathered youth, “What do we take with us when we return to everyday life?” Expressing his dream of a peaceful world, especially for conflict-torn regions like Ukraine, he called upon the youth to pray for global harmony, labeling them as “a sign of peace.”

Thanking the vast multitude, he warmly concluded, “Obrigado,” Portuguese for “thank you.”

But it wasn’t just the attendees who received his gratitude. Before leaving Lisbon, Pope Francis took a moment to appreciate the 25,000 volunteers from 130 countries who orchestrated the colossal event. At the Passeio Marítimo festival center, despite the scorching 99-degree heat, their spirits remained high. Addressing them, the pope lauded their tireless effort, expressing, “You made this World Youth Day possible. You did great things with the smallest of gestures.”

Drawing inspiration from Nazaré, a Portuguese surfing hotspot, Pope Francis likened the volunteers’ journey to riding mammoth waves. Urging them forward, he said, “Be surfers of love.”

By evening, the pope prepared for his departure, leaving behind cherished memories and a revived spirit among the youth.

Pray for the world’s youth!

🙏