Pope Francis wrote a letter to Bishop Américo Aguiar, President of the World Youth Day Foundation (WYD) Lisbon 2023, in which he thanked him for his dedication in "preparing and leading this memorable ecclesial event" and revealed that he feels "involved by the affection and enthusiasm of that countless multitude of young people of age and spirit".

Read the full letter:

"Dear Brother,

On my return to Rome from World Youth Day, enveloped by the affection and enthusiasm of that countless multitude of young people of age and spirit, I want to thank you once again for your dedication in preparing and leading this memorable ecclesial event. My congratulations on the good result achieved.

God will know how to repay you in abundance for all the work you generously embraced, even going beyond what was required. In fact, not only have you not given in to discouragement or been frightened by undertaking such a complex organisation as this WYD, but you have also added new cares and concerns: bringing an elderly 106-year-old woman and a seriously ill young woman to visit me, and having the relatives of a recently deceased woman arrive to take part in the Mass. As I consider your work, this phrase from St Thomas comes to mind: "non coerceri a maximo, contineri tamen a minimo divinum est".

Thank you, Bishop Américo, for your "pastoral closeness" to people, as well as your good humour and cheerfulness. Asking you not to forget to pray for me, I assure you of my prayers and blessing.

Fraternally

Francis

Rome, St John Lateran, 10 August 2023."

See the original document here.