World Youth Day 2023
The next World Youth Day will be
hosted by Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1-6, 2023
Sign Up for UpdatesWhat is World Youth Day?
World Youth Day is an international gathering of Catholic young people (typically ages 16-30) from around the world held approximately every 2-3 years in varying host countries. It began with Pope St. John Paul II in 1984 as an outreach to the youth of the world and an invitation to an encounter with the Pope and other young people. Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have continued this encounter with the youth, most recently with Pope Francis in Panama in 2019.
Where is
World Youth Day 2023?

The next World Youth Day will be hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, just a stone’s throw away from the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem and the Shrine of Fatima.
When is
World Youth Day 2023?

The next World Youth Day will be from August 1-6, 2023.
What is the theme for
World Youth Day 2023?

The theme for this WYD 2023 is “Mary arose and went with haste.” This comes from Luke 1:39, just after the Annunciation when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth.
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"God’s grace is alive in the hearts of those who participate in World Youth Day and continues to bring forth blessings in their lives long after their return."
- Fr. Jonathan Meyer
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World Youth Day Tentative Itinerary
Before World Youth Day
In the days leading up to World Youth Day, (starting typically 4-6 days before), various dioceses around the host country welcome youth from around the world for what are known as Days in the Dioceses – an opportunity for interaction with local churches and an introduction to the culture of the region. Sometimes pilgrims are hosted in families, other times in churches. Catechetical sessions and other events are held during these days.
A Typical Schedule for World Youth Day
Day 1: | Official welcome and opening Mass celebrated by local bishops. |
Day 2: | Catechetical sessions (by language groups) for teaching about the faith from various bishops. Afternoon/evening cultural, musical, prayer, and reconciliation opportunities. |
Day 3: | Catechetical sessions and the Pope’s arrival to the city. He welcomes pilgrims during an afternoon prayer service. Additional evening activities available. |
Day 4: | Catechetical sessions (by language groups) for teaching about the faith from various bishops. Afternoon cultural, musical, prayer, and reconciliation opportunities. Evening Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father. |
Day 5: | Walking pilgrimage to the Vigil site, evening Vigil with the Pope. |
Day 6: | Closing ceremonies including the concluding Mass celebrated by the Pope with the announcement of the location of the next WYD. |
Note: There are often special additions to the schedule based upon the location and activities available. WYD in Lisbon may include a day trip to Fatima and/or Santarem, or these sites could be added to a pre-/post- pilgrimage extension.
Sample Pre-/Post-WYD Additional Pilgrimage Locations
Other sites that can be included in a pilgrimage to Lisbon for World Youth Day are listed below. We are happy to discuss these and other options with you to personalize your World Youth Day pilgrimage experience for your group’s needs. Please contact us for more information by clicking the button above or sending an email to [email protected].
Portugal
Spain
On April 20, 2020, the announcement was made that the next international
World Youth Day will be postponed from 2022 to 2023.
Statement by Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni: “Due to the current health situation and its consequences on moving and the gatherings of young people and families, the Holy Father, together with the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life has decided to postpone the 2021 World Meeting of Families in Rome for a year to June 2022 and the next World Youth Day, scheduled for Lisbon in August 2022 to be moved to August 2023.”
Read More About WYD 2023