This is what the Portuguese capital looked like just one year ago.
One and a half million people gathered to celebrate the 38th World Youth Day presided over by Pope Francis.
This historic meeting for global youth in Portugal had been postponed because of the pandemic.
But for Pope Francis, it was a real test. It was his first trip after undergoing surgery.
He not only visited Lisbon, but also Fatima, where he prayed with the sick.
But most of his time was dedicated to the young people, to whom he delivered messages like this:
POPE FRANCIS
Have, therefore, the courage to replace fears with dreams; replace fears with dreams. Do not be administrators of fears but entrepreneurs of dreams!
One of the most memorable messages was his invitation to everyone to become part of the Church.
POPE FRANCIS
In the Church, there is room for everyone. "Father, but I am a disgraced person; I am a poor person. Is there room for me?'' There is room for everyone. Everyone together each one in his own language. Everyone in his own language, repeat after me: "Everyone, everyone, everyone" ("Everyone, everyone, everyone").
This final message left by the Pope on World Youth Day has been one that he has continued to insist on during his pontificate.
AM/JRB
TR: AT
