WYD Goes To Seoul, Africa Is Forgotten, Again.
The 2023 World Youth Day ( WYD 2023 ), which took place in Lisbon, Portugal, has ended and, as usual, after the closing Mass, the location and date of the next event were announced. To everyone's surprise, or perhaps not, once again, Africa, the only continent that has not yet hosted a WYD, was forgotten and left out, with WYD 2027 being scheduled for Seoul, South Korea.
WYD 2023 marked the meeting of more than one and a half million pilgrims, coming from different continents, to participate in religious celebrations, masses, lectures and moments of sharing. The highlight of the event was the presence and messages of Pope Francis, who emphasized the importance of openness, solidarity and service to society.
During a week full of activities and emotions, the young pilgrims had the opportunity to hear the words of Pope Francis, who highlighted the relevance of youth in building a better world and exhorted them to face life's challenges without fear.
The Pope also addressed crucial issues such as sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, calling for the need to tackle these issues head-on and promote a culture of transparency and justice.
In addition, issues of inclusion and tolerance also emerged, highlighting the need to respect diversity and the different orientations of all people, especially in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community.
It was this phrase by Pope Francis, about the inclusion of everyone in the Church, that marked the event and which is already generating controversy.
“In the Church there is a place for everyone, for everyone. In the Church, no one is superfluous, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. As we are. All of us".
But despite the inspiring messages and the positive impact of the meeting, WYD 2023 was not without controversy. The discussion about the costs of the event, which totaled around 161 million euros, raised concerns amid the economic situation in Portugal.
What is JMJ
WYD is a meeting of young people from all over the world with the Pope and, at the same time, a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and a strong moment of evangelization of the world of youth.
Initially, it took place every year at the diocesan level, around Palm Sunday and from 2021 on the Sunday of Christ the King. Recently, it started to be held every two, three or four years as an international meeting, in a chosen city by the Pope, always with his presence.
This initiative was created by Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) in 1985 (International Youth Year) and the first WYD took place the following year in Rome, Italy, in a diocesan celebration.
The first international meeting took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1987, the birthplace of Pope Francis.
In the Argentine capital, John Paul II asked young people to commit their youthful energy “to building the civilization of love”.
In 1989, Spain hosted WYD for the first time, in Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims prayed for peace. That year, the Berlin Wall was torn down and, two years later, a free Poland (homeland of John Paul II) hosted the meeting in Czestochowa.
Denver, in the United States of America, followed in 1993, which, for the first time, included the Way of the Cross through the streets of the city, but it was the capital of the Philippines, two years later, that recorded the highest turnout ever at a WYD.
In 1997, WYD returned to Europe, to Paris, where more than half a million young people filled the streets of the French capital with joy and fraternity, in an edition that was marked by the introduction of Days in the Dioceses (meeting that precedes the week of WYD). and the Youth Festival (cultural and artistic program).
Still on the European continent, 2000 was the year of WYD in Rome, and then in Toronto, Canada (2002), the last one presided over by John Paul II.
The pope then announced that the next WYD, in 2005, would take place in Cologne, Germany, but it was his successor, the German Benedict XVI (1927-2022), who presided over the celebrations.
Sydney, Australia, in 2008, is considered the first fully modern WYD meeting, with the presence of the event on social networks.
In 2011, WYD returned to Spain, this time to the capital, Madrid, and two years later, already under Francisco's pontificate, the world meeting of young Catholics took place, for the first time, in a Portuguese-speaking country: Brazil.
Pope Francis also presided over the days in Kraków, Poland, in 2016, in Panama City, in 2019, which was attended by the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and now, in Lisbon, which included a trip to Fatima.
WYD 2023
WYD is a global event that brings together young Catholics from different parts of the world to celebrate their faith, share experiences and strengthen their spirituality. The 2023 edition has come to an end, bringing with it a series of reflections on the challenges and opportunities that youth face today.
One of these reflections was the importance of commitment to change and tolerance. Pope Francis' message about not mistaking “selfishness disguised as love” echoed in the hearts of young people, reminding them that true solidarity and service are fundamental to building a better world.
A hallmark of WYD is its focus on service and charity. Young people are encouraged to get involved in initiatives that benefit the less privileged, thus promoting social transformation. Community projects, volunteering and other forms of service are tangible ways in which young people can continue to live the spirit of WYD in their daily lives.
In addition to bringing together young Catholics, WYD is also a space for interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Meetings between representatives of different beliefs and cultures promote mutual understanding and respect, contributing to a more harmonious and cooperative world.
Another talking point that emerged during World Youth Day was the importance of commitment to change and tolerance. Pope Francis' message about not mistaking “selfishness disguised as love” echoed in the hearts of young people, reminding them that true solidarity and service are fundamental to building a better world.
The Next WYD
In the sending mass that ended WYD in Portugal, the Pope asked young people not to be afraid and in front of 1,5 million people who were at the event, Pope Francis announced that the next WYD will be held in 2027 in Seoul, Korea of the South and that all young people were invited to come to Rome for the Jubilee in 2025.
The news that the next World Youth Day will take place in 2027 in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea, brought mixed emotions and expectations. This choice is a testament to the truly global nature of the Catholic Church and WYD which brings together young people from different parts of the world to celebrate faith, solidarity and love.
However, the representatives of South Africa were dissatisfied, as they were waiting for the announcement that, finally, WYD would be held, for the first time in an African country, since Africa is the only continent where, until now, no no WYD took place.
But as we realize that WYD is heading to Seoul, it's impossible not to be reminded of the attendance record set in the Philippines in 1995, where four million pilgrims gathered for the closing Mass in Manila, a powerful demonstration of the unity of Catholic youth. . Choosing Seoul as the next host city is an opportunity to recreate that moment.
A Goodbye and a See You Soon
WYD in Lisbon was much more than a religious event. It was a journey of inspiration and transformation, where young people from different cultures and backgrounds came together to share joys, challenges and hopes. The choice of Seoul as the next host city only reinforces the message that faith and solidarity transcend borders and unite hearts.
And while the emotions of WYD are fresh in our memory, it is time to look to the future with hope and determination. The upcoming WYD in Seoul promises to be yet another exciting chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and global youth. Young people of all nations have the opportunity to come together, celebrate their faith and face together the challenges of today's world.
At the close of WYD, Pope Francis said goodbye to the young pilgrims, encouraging them to remain firm in their faith and commitment to a better world. So young people return home with hearts full of hope, inspiration and determination to make the world a more loving and inclusive place.
CPLP's Numbers
WYD 2023 also had a large participation of registered pilgrims from Portuguese-speaking countries, from Portugal (19.350), Brazil (5.826), Angola (752), Cape Verde (940), São Tomé and Príncipe (513), Mozambique ( 312), Guinea-Bissau (122) and Timor-Leste (62). However, we must not forget that many pilgrims do not register, they just show up for WYD.
The messages
In this WYD, Pope Francis left some “buzzwords” to make us think about the future, these messages are something to keep in mind for all young pilgrims, on their return home.
“In the Church there is a place for everyone, for everyone. In the Church, no one is superfluous, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. As we are. All of us".
“THE ONLY TIME WHEN IT IS PERMITTED TO LOOK DOWN AT A PERSON IS TO HELP THEM UP”.
“Sometimes in life you have to get your hands dirty to not get your heart dirty”.
“A life without crises is an aseptic life, it is like distilled water, it has no flavor”.
“In life, nothing is free, everything is paid. Only one thing is free: the love of Jesus”.
“Do not forget that we need an integral ecology, to listen to the suffering of the planet together with that of the poor”.
“It is not enough for a Christian to be convinced, he must be convincing”.
“Never get tired of asking. Asking questions is good.”
“Joy is missionary”.
“Be love surfers”.
“The little chapel where we are is a beautiful image of the Church: welcoming and without doors”.
Conclusion
As the curtains close on WYD in Lisbon, the real show is just beginning. The legacy left by this inspiring meeting will last, pushing young people to be leaders of hope, ambassadors of compassion and builders of a more just and supportive world.
So, with hearts full of gratitude and enthusiasm, the young people bid farewell to Lisbon, ready to embark on the next exciting chapter of their personal and collective journeys. WYD is a constant reminder that, regardless of the borders that separate us, we are all members of a single human family, united by the common desire to build a better world.
What do you think of this WYD 2023? Do you think it's unfair that Africa wasn't chosen? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
Pope Arrived at WYD 2023, With Africa Present
Pope's visit to Africa could help end hunger
Picture: © 2023 DR
