One of the most anticipated moments of World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023, on the fifth day, the Vigil gathered thousands of young pilgrims in Campo da Graça, for this meeting of deep prayer with Pope Francis. 

Before the Vigil began, the symbols of World Youth Day - the Cross and the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani - arrived across the river in procession. When Pope Francis finally arrived at the venue, he was enthusiastically welcomed by the many pilgrims present. 

The Vigil began at 8:45pm and was divided into two parts, with the theme of Transforming Encounter. 

Through dance and theatre, the pilgrims were invited to reflection and encounter with God. Performed by the Ensemble23, the artistic moment had as its sequence the encounter, the arousing and, finally, the following of Jesus. Throughout this moment testimonies, drones and screens completed the staging. 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed, with the Custody exposed in a simple and profound way to the sound of an organ. The Blessed Sacrament entered immediately afterwards to the sound of Ave Verum. 

Silence was then present in the Field of Grace, conveying total communion among the young people who, in prayer, lived this moment intensely. 

The silence was interrupted by Carminho, a Portuguese fado singer, who interpreted the song "Estrela".