At the Sending Mass held this Sunday morning at Campo da Graça, the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Clemente, expressed a "thank you" to the Holy Father for his role in the realization of the World Youth Day. 

The World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, postponed after a period of pandemic, underwent several years of preparation that allowed for "turning Portugal into the land of a multitude from all over the world," states Cardinal Manuel Clemente. Despite the obstacles the gathering had to overcome, Pope Francis was always present, he adds: "You were always with us." 

 In the mass taking place on the sixth and final day of WYD Lisbon 2023, Cardinal Manuel Clemente thanked all "the words and gestures" shared by the Holy Father with the youth, addressing Francis as "the youngest of the young."  

As a token of gratitude for "everything we have experienced during these days of WYD," the Cardinal-Patriarch committed to a "constant prayer" for Pope Francis' "life, health, and ministry."