In the week marking 200 days until World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, a delegation of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) met with the Dicastery of Laity, Family and Life, and with the Secretariat of State of the Holy See to prepare for World Youth Day that will take place in Lisbon, from 1 to 6 August.

The LOC was represented by the Chair of the WYD Foundation, Bishop Américo Aguiar, the Executive Secretary, Duarte Ricciardi, and the Departments of Logistics, Pastoral Care, Finance, Dialogue and Proximity, Pathway 23, Communication, and Hosting and Volunteers.

The various departments of the LOC had the opportunity to continue the work that has been developed with the Vatican, in different dimensions, for the events of World Youth Day. In this context, meetings were also held with those responsible for organising the Pope's travel arrangements, for security and for liturgy. The Portuguese delegation was also received by the Portuguese Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr. Domingos Fezas Vital.

Bishop Américo Aguiar, chair of the WYD Foundation, had a private audience with Pope Francis, to inform the Holy Father about the preparatory work for WYD, particularly with regard to the registration of pilgrims and the recruitment of host families and volunteers.

The Holy Father gave thanks for the young pilgrims from all over the world who have already registered, renewing the invitation for all to participate.