LISBON, Portugal. Pope Francis concluded World Youth Day in Portugal with a massive open-air Mass, attended by an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims, and delivered a powerful message to the young people urging them to embrace their dreams and not be afraid. The pontiff also made a significant announcement, revealing that the next edition of World Youth Day in 2027 will be held in Asia for the first time in three decades.
The news that Seoul, South Korea, has been chosen to host World Youth Day 2027 reflects the growing importance of the continent for the Catholic Church. In contrast to traditionally Christian lands in Europe where the Church is facing decline, Asia is witnessing a vibrant and expanding Catholic community. South Korea, in particular, has experienced remarkable growth, with Catholics now constituting 10 percent of the country’s population of 50 million, up from just 1 percent half a century ago.
During his homily, Pope Francis encouraged the young people to strive for positive change in the world and emphasized the significance of their role in the Church and society. He highlighted the essential contributions of the younger generation in working for justice and peace. Drawing inspiration from St. John Paul II, who frequently emphasized the potential of young Catholics during his tenure, Pope Francis urged the youth not to fear failure and to pursue their aspirations with determination.
As World Youth Day events have historically attracted massive crowds from all over the world, this year’s gathering in Lisbon has been no exception. Pilgrims from diverse countries and backgrounds came together, camping out overnight to participate in the grand finale of the festival.
Throughout his visit to Portugal, Pope Francis deviated from his scripted speeches, preferring to engage in spontaneous and direct conversations with young people. His approach seemed well-received by the attendees, who appreciated his conversational style and the opportunity to interact with him.
Looking ahead to the future, Pope Francis also mentioned an upcoming youth jamboree in 2025 to be hosted by the Vatican during a Jubilee year. This event is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
Regarding concerns about the Pope’s health as a reason for disregarding prepared speeches, the Vatican spokesperson assured the public that Pope Francis is in good shape and doesn’t have any eyesight problems affecting his ability to read his remarks.
The Pope’s message of inclusivity and openness throughout the week resonated with the young attendees, who embraced the idea of the Church as a place that welcomes all, irrespective of their imperfections. They expressed their support for the Pope’s inclusive vision and felt empowered by the sense of unity and acceptance they experienced among fellow believers from different nations.
As World Youth Day came to a close in Lisbon, the faithful departed with renewed hope, inspired by the Pope’s call to fearlessly pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world around them. With the exciting news that the next World Youth Day will be hosted in Asia, the Church looks forward to further engaging with the dynamic and growing Catholic community in the region.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
