An estimated 800,000 pilgrims were in the park for the very poignant and moving Way of the Cross with Pope Francis.
The themes for the Via Crucis, the Way of the Cross, were proposed by young people themselves, and dealt with the “wounds and weaknesses present in the lives of today’s young people,” including poverty, solitude, intolerance, destruction of creation, and dependency.
Linking modern weaknesses to the 14 Stations of the Cross aimed at creating “an atmosphere of deep prayer, through which everyone can recognize the strength and motivation they receive from Jesus, both in light and in the darkness of their lives.”
The opening Mass, held in Lisbon's Edward VII Park on Tuesday, August 1st, brought together pilgrims from all corners of the world.
Pope Francis portrays the Blessed Virgin Mary as a "missionary of joy" in his address to young people gathered in Lisbon for the World Youth Day Vigil celebration.
