Pope Francis has arrived in Portugal to open the first post-pandemic edition of World Youth Day, hoping to inspire the next generation of Catholics while coping with the church’s ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal.
More than one million young people from around the world are reportedly expected to attend the gathering in Lisbon, which takes place over several days.
Busloads of pilgrims arrived yesterday despite temperatures forecast to hit 35 degrees Celsius by the weekend’s final papal Mass.
Earlier, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa advised youth day volunteers to stay hydrated, because it’s very hot, as they await the pontiff.
Cardinal-elect Americo Aguiar, a Lisbon bishop who is organising the festival, said two years of COVID-19 lockdowns made this year’s edition of World Youth Day unique.
