Pope Francis concluded the World Youth Day celebrations in Lisbon today, Sunday, with a massive outdoor Mass, speaking of his dream for peace to prevail across the world, especially in Ukraine. He urged young people to draw on the experiences gained during the six days of activities and apply them in their daily lives.
The Pope said, "Dear friends, allow me, as an elderly man, to share with you young people the dream that resides within me: it is the dream of peace, a dream of young people praying for peace, living in peace, and building a peaceful future." He added, "When you return to your homes, please continue to pray for peace. You are a sign of peace for the world and a witness to how nationalities, languages, and stories can unite rather than divide. You are the hope for a different world."
He asked them to think of their peers who could not attend this event due to armed conflicts and the many wars around the world, adding, "As I think of this continent, I feel deep pain for dear Ukraine, which continues to suffer greatly."
The final Mass was attended by approximately 1.5 million people in a park along the river in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where many spent the night outdoors after attending one of the events the previous Saturday.
Pope Francis, who returned to Rome on Sunday evening, met with a delegation of 15 Ukrainian young volunteers from the World Youth Day events, a large gathering of Catholic youth held every two or three years in a different city. He announced that the next edition of this event will take place in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027.
