Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General
I belong to a Movement/Congregation, is it possible for a WYD representative to be present at one of our events?
Yes, we are available to help you and happy that you want to participate. You can send your application to internationalrelations@lisboa2023.org.
How can I contribute with my donation?
You can make your donation by bank transfer to NIB PT50 0018 0003 5148 5613 0204 7 (to request a receipt send an email to financas@lisboa2023.org).
How can I sponsor WYD Lisbon 2023?
If you would like to sponsor WYD Lisbon 2023, you can send an email to financas@lisboa2023.org.
Is Lisbon a safe city?
According to the "Quality of Life 2019" study by the consulting firm Mercer, Lisbon is the 31st safest city in the world, having risen 12 places in this ranking since 2005.
What is the official currency of Lisbon?
The official currency is the Euro.
Organization
When will WYD Lisbon 2023 take place?
WYD Lisbon 2023 will take place from August 1-6, 2023. We are preparing the program for WYD Lisbon 2023 in close collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. We will release this information as soon as possible, as well as other important dates.
What is WYD?
World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is at the same time a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and a powerful moment of evangelization for the world of youth. It is an invitation to a generation determined to build a more just and united world. With a clearly Catholic identity, it is open to all, whether they are close to the Church or far from it. It is held every year at the diocesan level, on the Sunday of Christ the King, and every two, three or four years as an international meeting, in a city chosen by the Pope, always in his presence. It brings together thousands of young people to celebrate faith and belonging to the Church. Since the first edition, held in Rome in 1986, World Youth Day has proven to be a laboratory of faith, a place of birth of vocations to marriage and consecrated life, as well as an instrument of evangelization and transformation of the Church.
What are the objectives of WYD?
World Youth Day is intended to offer all participants an experience of the universal Church, fostering a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It is a new impulse to faith, hope and charity for the whole community of the host country. With young people as protagonists, World Youth Day also seeks to promote peace, unity and fraternity among the peoples and nations of the world.
Who is responsible for the organization of World Youth Day in Lisbon?
The place where WYD is held changes with each edition. It is the Pope who chooses the diocese that will host each WYD, which will be in charge of organizing the event, always in close collaboration with the Holy See, specifically with the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. Following the announcement of Lisbon as the next host city for WYD, the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Monsignor Manuel Clemente, constituted the Local Organizing Committee of WYD Lisbon 2023, the executive body in charge of the preparation and organization of WYD Lisbon 2023, formed by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lisbon, Monsignor Américo Aguiar, and the executive secretary Duarte Ricciardi. The legal entity for the organization of WYD Lisbon 2023 is the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation, chaired by Bishop Américo Aguiar.
At the level of the dioceses in Portugal, is there an organizing structure?
Yes, each diocese has a diocesan organizing committee that is the structure responsible for energizing the path of preparation for WYD Lisbon 2023.
Who is the Local Organizing Committee team composed of?
WYD Lisbon 2023 is being organized by the Patriarchate of Lisbon. For this purpose, the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Bishop Manuel Clemente, constituted the Local Organizing Committee of WYD Lisbon 2023, the executive body for the preparation and organization of the event, formed by the general coordinator, Auxiliary Bishop Américo Aguiar of Lisbon, and the executive secretary, Duarte Ricciardi.
What does the WYD Lisbon 2023 week consist of?
For one week, young people from all over the world are hosted mostly in public facilities (gyms, schools, halls...) and in parish or family homes. In addition to moments of prayer, socializing and recreation, the registered youth participate in various initiatives organized by the WYD team in different parts of the host city.
What are the highlights of World Youth Day?
The highlights of World Youth Day are the celebrations (central events) attended by the Pope, such as the welcoming and opening ceremony, the Way of the Cross, the vigil and, on the last day, the Mass of Sending.
Where will the main events be celebrated?
The main events will take place at Tejo Park. All information available here.
Registrations
What are the registration dates for WYD?
Registration is now open and can be done through our website here.
How can I register for WYD?
We are preparing the programme for WYD Lisbon 2023 in close liaison with the Vatican's Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. Registration is now open and can be done through our website. All information available here.
What are the age limits for registration?
WYD Lisbon 2023 is aimed at pilgrims from all over the world between the ages of 14 and 30, but pilgrims of other ages are welcome to register.
I am of another religion or religious community, can I participate in the WYD?
Yes, although it is an event promoted by the Catholic Church, everyone is welcome to attend WYD Lisbon 2023.
Is there a fee to participate in WYD Lisbon 2023?
The participation of pilgrims in the WYD is free, which means that each person can participate freely in the central events (Opening Mass, Welcoming the Pope, Via Crucis, Vigil and Missioning Mass). For non-registered pilgrims, specific sectors will be available. However, for logistical and security reasons, as well as to help cover organizational costs, all interested parties are invited to register for the WYD and pay the participation fee. In addition to the participation contributions indicated above, during the registration process, the WYD pilgrims are invited to contribute to the Solidarity Fund, on which the goal is to cover the costs of the participation of young people from less favoured countries, allowing them to participate in the meeting.
Volunteering
When are applications for WYD Lisbon 2023 volunteers open?
Registration for WYD Lisbon 2023 volunteers, from July 23 to August 7, 2023, is now open. See all the information available on our website here.
How can I become a volunteer?
Registration for WYD Lisbon 2023 volunteers, from July 23 to August 7, 2023, is now open. See all the information available on our website here.
Are there age limits for volunteering?
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest. In the Pilgrim Welcome Parishes (Dioceses of Lisbon, Santarém and Setúbal), they can register as volunteers from the age of 15 provided they are accompanied by an adult volunteer tutor.
What profile should volunteers have?
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest. In the Pilgrim Welcome Parishes (Dioceses of Lisbon, Santarém and Setúbal), they can register as volunteers from the age of 15 provided they are accompanied by an adult volunteer tutor. Volunteers must have a sense of responsibility, service and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
How available will I have to be to volunteer at WYD?
To be a volunteer during WYD Lisbon 2023, you must have full availability during the week of the event and also the week before (between 23 July and 7 August 2023). Candidates with lower availability may register on the central volunteer registration platform. However, we will always give priority to volunteers with full availability and will only validate the others if necessary. All the information is available on our website here.
What functions should a volunteer perform?
The Volunteer (depending on his/her profile) will be able to perform different functions, both in support of the main events and in support of all the activities that will take place in the Parishes, such as providing general information to pilgrims, helping to set up the events, translating, helping with transportation, among many other needs.
Who can volunteer at WYD Lisbon 2023?
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest. In the Pilgrim Welcome Parishes (Dioceses of Lisbon, Santarém and Setúbal), they can register as volunteers from the age of 15 provided they are accompanied by an adult volunteer tutor. Volunteers must have a sense of responsibility, service and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
As a volunteer, will I receive a document that I can use in my visa application?
After the validation of your application, you will receive an email that you can attach to your Visa application process, proving that you have been selected to be a WYD Lisbon 2023 Volunteer.
Communication and Brand
Who should I contact if I have any questions regarding WYD Lisbon 2023?
Questions related to WYD Lisbon 2023 should be directed to the e-mail geral@lisboa2023.org. If you have questions about the communication area (called media area) please contact press@lisboa2023.org.
How can I know more about WYD?
Check the official website, available at lisboa2023.org/en. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
I am a journalist and I would like to request information about WYD Lisbon 2023. What should I do?
For more information on WYD, please contact the WYD Communications Office at press@lisboa2023.org.
I'm a journalist and I want to cover WYD Lisbon 2023. Do I need to register?
Journalists wishing to follow the event must submit an accreditation request through the online platform that will be made available for this purpose. In due course, we will disclose more information.
I'm a journalist and I want to cover WYD Lisbon 2023. How can I get my accreditation?
Accreditation requests must be submitted through the online platform that will be made available for this purpose. Journalists must complete the form, which will be available on the platform in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French and Italian. In due course, we will disclose more information.
My group (diocese, parish, bishops' conference...) is preparing materials about WYD Lisbon 2023. Can we use the logo and is there a manual for using the brand?
For guidance on the correct use of the WYD Lisbon 2023 logo and to ensure consistency in the communication of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, we are making available a kit with materials and rules regarding the use of the logo, which can be accessed here. For questions or inquiries about the WYD Lisbon 2023 brand, please write to marca@lisboa2023.org.
How can I purchase WYD Lisbon 2023 merchandising?
Official WYD merchandise can be purchased here.
Pastoral
Does the WYD Lisbon 2023 program include any festivals?
Yes, during WYD Lisbon 2023 there is a Youth Festival, where artistic, cultural and religious projects are presented by young pilgrims from all over the world. All information available on our website here.
What are the cultural and artistic areas of the Youth Festival for which I can present a project?
Music, Theater, Exhibitions, Conferences, Dance, Cinema, Religious Events.
Do I have to be a pilgrim to apply for the Youth Festival?
Applications submitted by pilgrims registered for WYD Lisbon 2023 will have priority over the others.
How can I apply to participate in the Youth Festival?
Applications for the Youth Festival are made on the online registration platform. Information on registering for the Youth Festival here.
Will there be a sports tournament at the Youth Festival? How can I apply?
Registration for WYD Sports will open on a date closer to WYD Lisbon 2023.
Preparatory catecheses for WYD Lisbon 2023: What are they? When will they be available? In what format?
The preparatory catecheses for WYD Lisbon 2023 offer young people a transformative itinerary that aims to make this an opportunity for the renewal of pastoral ministry among the younger generations. Materials for the catecheses are available here.
Is there a day of prayer for WYD Lisbon 2023 and what does it consist of?
On the 23rd of each month, young people gather in their dioceses to mark the path towards WYD Lisbon 2023 through moments of prayer, culture and leisure. Every 23rd, WYD and the Click to Pray digital platform propose two prayers (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) to prepare for the meeting planned for the summer of 2023.
What are the WYD symbols?
World Youth Day has two symbols that accompany and represent it: the Pilgrim Cross and the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani. In the months leading up to each WYD, the symbols go on pilgrimage to proclaim the Gospel and accompany young people, in a special way, in the realities in which they live. For more information, visit here. You can follow the journey of the symbols in Portugal on our social networks (Facebook and Instagram).
What happens to the symbols once they reach the national territory?
The Symbols will travel through many dioceses of Portugal. All the communities have received the symbols with great emotion, feeling the great meeting closer and closer.
I am a priest and I am available for confession during WYD Lisbon 2023. What should I do? What documents should I submit?
During the registration process, we ask if there are any priests in the group. Once the priests of the group have been identified, they will also be able to indicate whether they are available for confession during WYD Lisbon 2023. Documents to be attached at registration are a photograph and the declaration of clerical status.
Days in Dioceses
What are "Days in Dioceses"?
The "Days in the Dioceses" is a meeting that precedes the week of WYD Lisbon 2023 and consists of the integration of young people from all over the world into the parish communities of several Dioceses of Portugal. During these days, participants will be able to get to know better the region that welcomes them, as well as the local Church and its particularities, with accommodations like those of WYD, whether public facilities, parishes or in family homes. At WYD Lisbon 2023, the "Days in the Dioceses" will take place from north to south of Portugal, including the islands of Madeira and the Azores archipelago.
When and how do I sign up for "Days in dioceses"?
Registrations for the "Days in the Dioceses" must be made directly with the Diocesan Organizing Committees (COD). Check the information available on the official website here.
I would like to receive information about the Days in the Dioceses.
See all the information on our website here.
Inclusion and Environment
What actions are being taken to ensure an environmentally friendly preparation and execution of WYD Lisbon 2023?
We are developing the program for the preparation and implementation of WYD Lisbon 2023. On April 22, Earth Day, we published the letter of commitment which can be accessed here. We will publish more information as soon as possible.
I have a motor/sensory/intellectual disability, can I be a pilgrim at WYD Lisbon 2023?
Everyone is welcome to attend WYD Lisbon 2023. If you need specific information, please contact us at jmj4all@lisboa2023.org.
Will WYD Lisbon 2023 be prepared to welcome people with special needs?
The invitation to participate in WYD is for everyone and people with special needs are very welcome. As we know that there are important limitations, we are working on the details so that everyone can participate in all the activities. We will publish more information as soon as possible.
What volunteer roles can a person with special needs perform?
People with disabilities can be volunteers. When registering, the candidate must indicate his or her particular situation. We will contact him afterwards to find roles compatible with your situation.
Will there be translations available into Portuguese Gestural Language or other sign languages?
There will be translation available into Portuguese Gestural Language and the International Sign System. Sign languages from other countries must be provided by participants.
I do not speak English or any of the official WYD languages, is it possible to participate in this way, and will there be interpretation?
We plan to have interpretation in several languages, including Portuguese Gestural Language and the International Sign System.