Pope Francis to Land in Portugal for World Youth Day Lisbon 2023

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Portugal, commencing tomorrow, for the highly anticipated World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. This significant occasion will witness the presence of His Holiness in the vibrant city of Lisbon from August 2nd to August 6th.

A noteworthy highlight of the Pope's visit will be a pilgrimage to the renowned Shrine of Fátima on Saturday, August 5th. Pope Francis, accompanied by young individuals who are unwell, will lead the prayer of the Rosary at the esteemed Chapel of the Apparitions.

During his 5-day visit to Portugal, which marks the second of his pontificate, Pope Francis will engage in interactive dialogues with students from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Furthermore, he will have the opportunity to meet young participants associated with Scholas Occurrentes, an initiative established by the pontiff himself in 2013, now operating in 190 countries, including Portugal.

In line with his customary practices during international trips, Pope Francis will dedicate time to a private meeting with members of the esteemed Society of Jesus. On Saturday evening, His Holiness will preside over a prayer vigil at the majestic Tejo Park. The event will culminate in a momentous Solemn Mass on the morning of Sunday, August 6th. During this occasion, Pope Francis is expected to unveil both the dates and venue for the forthcoming edition of World Youth Day.

On Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis will meet young volunteers who have dedicated themselves to the success of the event before returning to his residence in Rome.

The international edition of World Youth Day is held 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 deeply significant event.

The Official Schedule for the Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Portugal on the occasion of the World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 will be as follows:

Wednesday, 2nd of August: 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, 3rd of August: 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, 4th of August: 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, 5th of August: 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, 6th of August: 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