The agenda of the Pope’s visit to Portugal, as part of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, is not limited to his presence at the central events, but is full of moments of encounter, in various places.
Yesterday was mostly marked by diplomatic meetings, with the Pope meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps at the Belém Cultural Centre, where he gave his first official speech.
Later in the afternoon, he met with the Prime Minister at the Apostolic Nunciature, where he also held his meeting with victims of clergy sexual abuse. Before the day ended, the Pope met with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians and pastoral workers at the Jerónimos Monastery.
A visit of proximity
Today, 3 August, the Holy Father began his day with a visit to the Portuguese Catholic University, where he met with some young university students. The Pope asked the university students to “seek and risk” in search of a “new choreography that puts the human person at the centre”.
Francis then left for Cascais, where he had the opportunity to meet with young people from Scholas Occurentes, a school based on the teaching programme created by Francis when he was not yet Pope.
After answering some questions from the young people, the Pope said that a life without crises is aseptic and flavourless, and that only together can these crises be overcome.
At the end of the afternoon, Pope Francis will be on the Hill of Encounter for the first big meeting with the pilgrims. This moment will serve to welcome the city and all those who have come to it.
