Following his July recess, Pope Francis dedicated his first General Audience to reflecting on the meaning of World Youth Day in Lisbon. He stressed that the purpose of this event is not merely a vacation for young people, but to foster a personal encounter between them and Christ through the Church. He also thanked the Portuguese people for their welcome.
SUMMARY OF POPE FRANCIS CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
During my recent Apostolic Journey to Portugal for the celebration of World Youth Day, I witnessed a moving demonstration of the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Risen Christ, at work in the hearts and lives of young Christians throughout the world.
Following the example of Mary, who “set out in haste” after the Annunciation, the young pilgrims expressed their desire to set out towards the future of hope promised by the Gospel. The encounter of so many young people from different countries, all united by the love of Christ and the joy of the Spirit, reflected the face of the Church as the People of God, to which everyone, in every place and time, is called to belong. In a world torn by poverty, injustice and war, we joined in prayer for the spread of the Gospel, the conversion of hearts, and the healing and peace that the Lord alone can give.
In this spirit, I also went as a pilgrim to Fatima, where I renewed the act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. May this great outpouring of spiritual joy and love for Christ that marked these days foster an abundance of vocations and serve as a leaven of hope for the future of Portugal, the Church and our world.
PA
TR: AT
