Pope Francis Affirms Readiness for World Youth Day Despite Health Concerns

Just 40 days before World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, Pope Francis assured the public that his recent health issues would not hinder his attendance. The Pope, who underwent abdominal surgery on June 7, expressed his excitement and readiness to participate in the upcoming event.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/22/2023 (10 months ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis, World Youth Day, Portugal, health

Although still in the process of recovery, Pope Francis has been engaging in private meetings after being discharged from the hospital last Friday. However, his public audience scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, had to be canceled.

In a video shared by Bishop Americo Aguiar, the auxiliary of Lisbon and coordinator of World Youth Day 2023, Pope Francis proudly displayed a gray backpack with the event's branding. He stated, "I'm ready! I already have everything and I can't wait to go!" Addressing young people, he reassured them that despite concerns over his health, his doctor had cleared him for participation, and he eagerly anticipated joining them.

Scheduled to visit Portugal from August 2 to 6, the 86-year-old Pope has a series of World Youth Day events planned, including hearing confessions, praying the Stations of the Cross, attending a prayer vigil, and celebrating Mass on the final day, Sunday, August 6.

In his latest video message, Pope Francis urged the young attendees to ignore those who reduce life to mere ideas, emphasizing the importance of joyful encounters. He encouraged them to pray for those individuals and highlighted the three languages of life they possess: the language of the head for clear thinking, the language of the heart for deep emotions, and the language of the hands to translate their thoughts and feelings into action. He concluded his message by inspiring them to move forward with courage and enthusiasm, expressing his anticipation to see them in Lisbon.

During Bishop Aguiar's meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on June 22, the Pope also recorded a video expressing gratitude to the organizers and those involved in preparing for World Youth Day. He acknowledged the immense effort and countless hours they dedicated to making the event possible, emphasizing their indispensable role.

The theme for World Youth Day 2023, scheduled from August 1 to 6, is "Mary arose and went with haste." This will be Pope Francis' fourth participation in the international youth gathering, which was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985. The event traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of young people, and it is expected to double Lisbon's population of 505,000 during the first week of August.