Tag

World Youth Day

All articles tagged with #world youth day

world5 months ago

Pope Leo Inspires and Welcomes a Million Young Catholics in Rome

Pope Leo XIV addressed over a million Catholic youths at the Youth Jubilee in Rome, emphasizing that they symbolize the possibility of a better world through dialogue and fraternity, especially for those suffering from war in Gaza and Ukraine. The event, part of the Holy Year, included a vigil, Mass, and celebrations, inspiring young people to spread their faith and hope for peace, with the next gathering scheduled for Seoul in 2027.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Francis Reflects on World Youth Day in Lisbon and Praises Nazaré Surfing"

Interreligious events at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, were sparsely attended but deemed useful. Pilgrims had the opportunity to visit a Muslim mosque, Hindu temple, Jewish synagogue, and three historic Catholic churches as part of the "Spiritual Routes" initiative. However, poor advertising and the distance of the Hindu temple from the main WYD events may have contributed to low attendance. Initiatives also included tree planting and musical events led by groups from different religious backgrounds. The priest overseeing the interreligious activities emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue, stating that it has made him more aware of his Christian tradition. The KAICIID Dialogue Centre organized additional events for interreligious dialogue, including a panel discussion and a documentary screening.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Francis Reveals Reason for Skipping Fatima Prayer for Peace"

Pope Francis explained why he chose not to publicly pray for an end to the war in Ukraine during his visit to the Fatima shrine, stating that he prayed privately but did not want to advertise it. He emphasized the importance of continually praying for peace and highlighted the request made by Our Lady during the First World War. The pope also discussed his health, deviating from prepared speeches, and the need for dialogue between generations. He addressed mental health and suicide among young people, stating that it is a major issue. Regarding access to sacraments, he emphasized that the Church welcomes everyone, including homosexual people, and described the Church as a mother who guides her children in their faith journey.

religion2 years ago

"Pope's Airborne Briefing: Health, Peace Prayer in Fatima, and LGBTQ+ Catholics Discussed"

Pope Francis discussed his recovery from abdominal surgery, explaining that he deviated from his prepared speeches during his recent trip to Portugal in order to better communicate with young people. He ad-libbed his speech in Fatima and skipped a planned peace prayer, instead reciting a Hail Mary with young disabled people. The Vatican later posted part of the prayer on social media. Francis emphasized that he had prayed silently for peace but didn't want to give "publicity" to a public prayer. He also mentioned that he included LGBTQ+ Catholics in his vision of an inclusive church.

religion2 years ago

"Pope's Airborne Briefing: Health, Peace Prayer in Fatima, and LGBTQ+ Catholics Discussed"

Pope Francis discussed his recovery from abdominal surgery, stating that he spoke off-the-cuff during his recent trip to Portugal to better communicate with young people, not because of fatigue or illness. He deviated from his prepared speeches and prayers, including a peace prayer in Fatima, opting instead to pray silently and not give "publicity" to a public prayer. Francis emphasized the importance of engaging young people and delivering brief, clear, and loving messages in homilies. He also affirmed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics in the church, stating that "everyone is welcome." The Pope's health is reported to be good, with the abdominal stitches removed but a protective belt still worn for healing.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Affirms Inclusive Church: Embracing LGBTQ+ and Women"

Pope Francis reiterated his message that the Catholic Church is open to all, including LGBTQ people and marginalized groups, during a press conference after his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day. He emphasized that everyone is welcome in the church, despite traditionalist protestors interrupting a Mass for LGBTQ pilgrims in Lisbon. The pope also addressed the issue of clergy sexual abuse, stating that progress is being made in the church's response. He defended his decision not to make a direct appeal for peace in Ukraine during his visit to the Marian shrine of Fátima, and expressed the need for the church to change its approach to homilies. The pope is in good health following a hernia operation and has upcoming trips to Mongolia and France.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Encourages Fearless Youth as World Youth Day Returns to Asia in 2027"

Pope Francis concluded World Youth Day in Portugal by announcing that the next edition in 2027 will be held in Seoul, South Korea, marking the return of the event to Asia after three decades. The decision reflects the growing importance of the Catholic Church in Asia, where it is young and thriving, in contrast to its decline in traditionally Christian regions of Europe. The announcement was made during a Mass attended by an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims, and the event was seen as a success with a massive turnout from young people from various countries. Pope Francis urged the youth to follow their dreams and not be afraid, emphasizing their importance to the Church and the world.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Francis Encourages Fearless Youth at World Youth Day"

Pope Francis addressed young Catholics at the closing Mass of World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, urging them not to be afraid and assuring them that Jesus knows their hearts. The week-long event included prayer, Mass, music concerts, and cultural events, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants from around the world. The Pope made an appeal for peace in Ukraine and encouraged young people to be a sign of peace in the world.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Francis Chooses Seoul, South Korea as Host for WYD 2027"

Pope Francis has announced that South Korea will be the host country for the next World Youth Day in 2027. This will be the second time that Asia hosts the event, with the first being in Manila, Philippines in 1995. South Korea has a growing Catholic population and a rich history of faith, with the evangelization of the country being done by the laity. The theme of reconciliation could play a significant role during the event, as Pope Francis has shown a willingness to engage with North Korea in the past.

religioncelebration2 years ago

"WYD Vigil Celebration: A Joyful and Intimate Day Five"

Over 1.5 million young pilgrims gathered in Lisbon for the World Youth Day vigil celebration, braving the heat with makeshift tents and umbrellas. Excitement filled the air as the Pope arrived, and testimonies were shared by individuals from Portugal and Mozambique, highlighting their journeys of faith and resilience. The crowd connected through a symbolic gesture, and Pope Francis delivered a message of unity and perseverance, urging the pilgrims to support one another. The night concluded with adoration of Christ in the Eucharist, leaving the pilgrims comforted and in high spirits.

religion2 years ago

Pope Francis' Controversial Visit to Portugal: From Fatima Shrine to Lisbon's WYD Vigil

Around 1.5 million young people gathered in scorching heat in Lisbon for Pope Francis' World Youth Day vigil, enduring temperatures of up to 38 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) and seeking shade under umbrellas and makeshift shelters. The pope delivered an impromptu speech in Spanish, emphasizing the importance of journeying together and helping one another. Earlier in the day, Francis visited the Catholic shrine in Fatima, where he prayed silently for peace and meditated before a statue of the Virgin Mary. The shrine is associated with exhortations of peace and conversion in Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

religion2 years ago

"Pope Francis Inspires and Unites Young People at WYD"

Pope Francis addresses young pilgrims at the World Youth Day Vigil in Lisbon, portraying the Blessed Virgin Mary as a "missionary of joy" and urging Christians to train their hearts to love God and their neighbor. He emphasizes the importance of bringing joy to others and acknowledges the roots of joy in our lives, encouraging pilgrims to recall those who have impacted them. The Pope highlights the need to search for joy and train ourselves to be joyful, even in difficult times. He concludes by reminding pilgrims of their duty to help each other up when they fall and to walk fearlessly with hope and love.

religion2 years ago

"Pope's Controversial Visit to Portugal Leaves Pilgrims Divided"

An estimated 1.5 million people gathered in scorching temperatures in Portugal's capital to attend an evening prayer service with Pope Francis as part of the World Youth Day Catholic festival. Despite the intense heat, participants endured the conditions, with some waiting for hours to see the pope. The event took place in a park with no shade or structures, prompting heat warnings and the use of a water tank to cool the crowd. Pope Francis skipped a planned speech at Fatima but interacted with the crowd, dispelling concerns about his health.

religion2 years ago

Mixed Reviews for Pope's Decision on Russia at Fatima Shrine

The new model of catechesis sessions called Rise Up Encounters at the World Youth Day gathering in Lisbon received mixed reviews from pilgrims, with some complaints about miscommunications related to schedules and locations. The sessions, organized into more than 30 language groups, aimed to provide young people with an experience aligned with the ongoing synodal journey in the universal Church. Each day focused on a different theme, including integral ecology, social friendship, and mercy. While some participants found the sessions powerful and enjoyable, others expressed dissatisfaction with logistics and the outdoor venues.