Title: “World Youth Day 2023: A historic gathering in Lisbon”
Introduction :
World Youth Day (WYD) is a major event for the Catholic community and attracts hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world every year. This year, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has been chosen as the gathering place for WYD 2023. With the participation of young people from more than 150 countries, including the African continent, this event promises to be a unforgettable experience for all participants.
Pope Francis, an emblematic figure of the Catholic Church, arrived in Lisbon on August 2 and was welcomed by the Portuguese Prime Minister. His visit during WYD is eagerly awaited and the young people are preparing enthusiastically for the first gathering with the Holy Father which will take place soon.
A message of peace and hope:
WYD is an opportunity for young Catholics to make their voices heard and share their faith with the whole world. Among the participants are young people from countries plagued by war and political instability, such as Niger, Sudan, and Gabon. For them, the pope’s visit represents a message of peace and hope, an opportunity to change their outlook on the world and to find comfort in their faith.
Unfortunately, not all young Africans were able to participate in WYD due to difficulties in obtaining visas. Some countries like Cameroon saw only a small delegation, with a limited number of priests and nuns. This situation highlights the prejudices and difficulties that young Africans have to face when they wish to travel to Europe.
Voices are being raised to denounce this discrimination and demand greater openness and inclusiveness in the organization of WYD. Father Clément Mevo, member of the Cameroonian delegation, expresses his frustration at the prejudices that prevent young Africans from fully participating in this global event.
Conclusion :
WYD 2023 in Lisbon is a testimony to the vitality and diversity of Catholic youth around the world. Despite obstacles and discrimination, participants are determined to share their faith and promote peace and love. World Youth Days offer a unique opportunity to bring together young people from around the world in a spirit of openness and mutual understanding. Hopefully, this event will mark a turning point in the fight against prejudice and help strengthen ties between young people of different cultures and nationalities