While meeting with a group of young people, Pope Francis was greeted with a song and traditional Argentinian tea known as “mate.'
CANDELA GARCÍA
Pilgrim
One day we were sleeping in an airport and the next day we found ourselves going into a room to talk to the Pope. It was crazy. We all looked at each other's faces as if to say “what is going on here.” We didn't understand it.
Their visit with the Pope is part of one of the stops this group of young people has made on their pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Lisbon. To their surprise, Pope Francis compared it to the World Cup.
POPE FRANCIS
I like to ask them, 'Do you realize that you are preparing to play in a World Cup?' It's a World Cup. And this World Cup is very special. It is a friendly match where there are no winners or losers, but we all win.
PÍA SAHADE
Pilgrim
It was a beautiful speech. He compared it to the World Cup, knowing that it is something that is still so fresh in our hearts, something so important for us. He really made us understand the message with that individuality and dedication. So it was amazing.
These young people from the Archdiocese of Cordoba, Argentina began their journey to Lisbon a few days ago. They visited Rome, Venice and Assisi. They will also pass through several cities in Spain, including Santiago de Compostela.
Their journey to World Youth Day is a trip that will last much longer than a 90-minute soccer match. It will take them to Lisbon, where they will meet again with Pope Francis. He told them that this World Youth Day will be a friendly match where all the young people will raise “the cup of fraternity” together.
CA/SA
TR: AT