Pope to WYD pilgrims: ‘Walk joyfully together with others’

By Devin Watkins

The Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire has released a video message from Pope Francis for young pilgrims who will attend World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, on 1-6 August.

In the video, the Pope sends his blessings and encouragement to a group of young Italians who are setting off on their WYD journey.

“Life is about making a journey,” he said. “Young people have the vocation to make a journey.”

Eyes fixed on destination

Pope Francis urged young pilgrims from all over the world to keep their gaze fixed on their destination, as the walk together joyfully with others.

“Strive ahead courageously, always looking toward your destination,” he said. “Do so with the mysticism of the journey, always walking with others and never alone.”

Journey of faith

Some 600,000 pilgrims have registered for World Youth Day in Lisbon, and many have already begun their journey toward the Portuguese capital city.

Several groups are making various stops along their pilgrimage, including the Holy Land, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and other sites across Europe.

The WYD event kicks off with several catechesis sessions on 1 August, and Pope Francis arrives the next day to accompany the young people along their journey of faith and fraternity.

Translation of message

The following is an unofficial translation of the Pope’s video message:

Dear young people who are leaving for Lisbon for World Youth Day, I wish you a good journey. I hope you arrive at the encounter filled with joy. Take this path and make a journey. Life is about making a journey. Young people have the vocation to make a journey. Strive ahead courageously, always looking toward your destination. Do so with the mysticism of the journey, always walking with others and never alone. May God bless you. And thank you for your efforts and your hard work. Have a good day!