WYD Lisbon 2023

World Youth Day (WYD) has been a defining event in the lives of millions of young people since its inception. These international gatherings bring together young people from all over the world to celebrate faith and belonging to the Church.

Previous editions have been a great success with impressive numbers, such as 3 million participants in Rio de Janeiro in 2013 and Krakow in 2016, and 700,000 in Panama in 2019. Memorable speeches and homilies have been delivered by various popes at these events, leaving a deep impression on the participants.

The next WYD will take place in 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. The Portuguese will generously welcome young people from all over the world and Pope Francis will be present. The dates to remember are 24 July to 8 August 2023. This spiritual and human adventure is open to young people aged 16 to 30, regardless of their religion, although the event is promoted by the Catholic Church.

The history of WYD: a landmark international event

World Youth Day (WYD) is an international youth gathering organised by the Catholic Church. Since its creation in 1985 by Pope John Paul II, the aim of the event has been to celebrate faith, hope and love, and to encourage young people from all over the world to live a unique spiritual and human experience. Each WYD is marked by unforgettable speeches and homilies by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis.

Previous editions include:

• WYD 2000 Rome, Italy: 2,000,000 people
• WYD 2002 Toronto, Canada: 800,000 people
• WYD 2005 Cologne, Germany: 1,200,000 people
• WYD 2008 Sydney, Australia: 450,000 people
• WYD 2011 Madrid, Spain: 500,000 people
• WYD 2013 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 3’000’000 people
• WYD 2016 Krakow, Poland: 3,000,000 people
• WYD 2019 Panama, Panama: 700,000 people

Theme and preparations for WYD 2023 in Lisbon

Preparations for WYD 2023 are already underway, and it is time for you to start planning your trip and registering for one of the packages on offer. Don’t forget to prepare yourself spiritually and logistically for this event:

• Think about your accommodation
• Local transport
• What to pack in your bag

The theme of WYD 2023 is “Mary arose and went in haste” (Lk 1:39), which invites you to follow Mary’s example and to embark on the journey of faith with enthusiasm and determination. WYD is a unique opportunity to experience powerful and inspiring moments that will allow you to grow in your faith and deepen your commitment to the Church and the community.

By participating in WYD 2023 in Lisbon, you will be part of a generation determined to build a better world, following the teachings of Jesus and putting love and compassion into practice in your daily life.

WYD Lisbon 2023 Program

The WYD 2023 program will be rich and varied, with highlights including the opening Mass, the welcome of Pope Francis, the Way of the Cross, the vigil with the Pope and the closing Mass. The “Days in the Dioceses” will precede the WYD week and will allow you to immerse yourself in the local parish communities and discover the particularities of the Portuguese Church.

WYD Lisbon 2023 program from 1 to 6 August 2023

• TUESDAY: The inaugural event of World Youth Day 2023, the Opening Mass, will be celebrated by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Clemente, marking the beginning of this great international meeting.
• THURSDAY: This day will be marked by the first appearance of the Pope in a ceremony combining festivities and moments of prayer, offering young people a unique spiritual experience.
• FRIDAY: Participants will be invited to follow in the footsteps of Jesus during his passion, through an immersive and deeply moving prayer experience.
• SATURDAY: An exceptional evening of witness, celebration and prayer will bring together nearly two million young people, united in the worship of Jesus in one place.
• SUNDAY: The closing of WYD Lisbon 2023 will be marked by a solemn celebration presided over by the Holy Father. Before the end of the Mass, the Pope will announce the name of the city that will host the next edition of World Youth Day.

WYD is open to young people from all over the world, aged between 16 and 30. Minors must be accompanied by an adult to participate. Participation is free of charge for the central events, but it is recommended to register and pay the participation fee for logistical and security reasons, as well as to cover the costs of accommodation, meals and transport during the event.

If you are of another religion, you are also welcome to attend WYD 2023. This event, although promoted by the Catholic Church, is open to all in a spirit of brotherhood and sharing.

World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon: FAQ

What is WYD Lisbon 2023?

World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023 is an international Catholic event that brings together millions of young people from all over the world to share their faith, have a spiritual experience and exchange with other cultures. The event, organised by the Catholic Church, will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 25 July to 6 August 2023.

Who can participate in WYD Lisbon 2023?

WYD Lisbon 2023 is open to young people from all over the world, aged between 16 and 30. Minors must be accompanied by an adult who can supervise them. Participants from all religions are also welcome, as WYD aims to promote peace, unity and brotherhood among the peoples and nations of the world.

Why attend WYD Lisbon 2023?

Attending WYD Lisbon 2023 is a unique opportunity to live an extraordinary spiritual and human experience. It is a privileged moment to meet other young people from all over the world, to share your faith and to discover the cultural and religious wealth of Portugal.

Participating in this event can transform your life and your view of the world, while strengthening your commitment to building a more just and united world.

How to register for WYD Lisbon 2023?

To participate in WYD Lisbon 2023, you need to register for one of the options offered from your home country. Groups are invited to register for WYD and pay the participation fee, which includes the pilgrim’s kit, personal accident insurance, free transport during the WYD period, and accommodation and meals.

Where will WYD Lisbon 2023 take place?

WYD Lisbon 2023 will take place in the city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, as well as in other dioceses in the country during the “Days in the Dioceses”. These days precede the WYD week and allow participants to immerse themselves in the local parish communities and to discover the particularities of the Portuguese Church.

What is the program for WYD Lisbon 2023?

The WYD Lisbon 2023 program will include highlights such as the opening Mass, the welcome of Pope Francis, the Way of the Cross, the vigil with the Pope and the closing Mass. The “Days in the Dioceses” will precede the WYD week and will allow participants to experience moments of prayer, socialisation and recreation in different regions of Portugal.

How are the religious celebrations at WYD Lisbon 2023 organised?

The religious celebrations at WYD Lisbon 2023 will be organised around key moments, such as the opening Mass, the Way of the Cross, the vigil with the Pope and the closing Mass. Liturgies will be celebrated in different languages to allow participants from all over the world to fully experience these moments of prayer and gathering. Catecheses and prayer times will also take place throughout the WYD, led by bishops, priests and lay people from different countries and cultures.

What cultural activities will be offered at WYD Lisbon 2023?

WYD Lisbon 2023 will offer a rich program of cultural activities that will allow participants to discover the diversity of cultures and traditions present in Portugal and around the world. Concerts, exhibitions, dance and theatre performances, as well as conferences and debates on current affairs and social issues will be organised throughout the event. These activities will encourage encounters and exchanges between young people from all over the world, while celebrating creativity and artistic expression.

How to get around Lisbon during WYD Lisbon 2023?

During WYD Lisbon 2023, participants will have free access to Lisbon’s public transport (metro, bus, tram and urban trains), thanks to a pass that will be given to them upon registration. WYD organisers are also encouraging participants to walk or cycle to limit the environmental impact of the event and to promote an ecological and sustainable approach.

Where to stay during WYD Lisbon 2023?

Accommodation for WYD Lisbon 2023 participants will be provided mainly in host families, schools, sports centres or parishes. The WYD organisers are working closely with local communities to ensure safe and comfortable accommodation for all participants. For those wishing to stay in more traditional accommodation, hotels and youth hostels will also be available, although early booking is recommended due to the high demand during the event.