World Youth Day

Delegations of young people aged 16 to 35 from many dioceses around the world are gathering in Lisbon, Portugal to take part in World Youth Day (WYD).

From July 26 to 31, young people are invited to meet other young people and people from the parish communities of Portugal. These “Days in the Dioceses” are intended as a preparatory trip for all pilgrims, and a way of getting to know the host region better, with the specific features that characterize the 17 dioceses in mainland Portugal.

The spiritual and human adventure of World Youth Day begins on August 1. On the program are Masses and meetings with Pope Francis, moments of sharing and reflection that provide young people with an extraordinary experience. All agree that their participation in WYD has changed their lives and their way of looking at the world. 

The theme of this religious and cultural event, which brings together hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world, is “Mary arose and set out in haste” (Lk 1:39).

WYD is an initiative of Pope John Paul II. It follows on from the success of the meeting organized as part of the International Year of Youth in Rome in 1985. The first edition took place in Rome in 1986. Subsequent editions have been held at regular intervals in major cities around the world. WYD Lisbon is the 16th edition of this major international event.

Find out more about the main events here.