The day after the welcoming ceremony, Pope Francis went from Lisbon's Apostolic Nunciature to the gardens of the Empire Square to hear confessions from young people.
The almost 150 confessionals used during World Youth Day were made by a group of inmantes in three Portuguese prisons. For the director of one of the prisons, this initiative was ideal to show that prisoners can contribute to the community.
The Pope spent several minutes in the confessional while young people crowded around the park to see him.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has made a public confession. He usually does it at the Vatican during Lent.
The place chosen for the confessions is the largest square in the Iberian Peninsula, the Empire Square. It was built in 1940 to commemorate the dates of the founding of Portugal and its independence.
After hearing confessions, Pope Francis greeted the dozens of pilgrims who were waiting for him at the entrance of the park.
PA
TR: AT
