World Youth Day (WYD) 2023 organizers revealed the preliminary attendance figures on Tuesday, Aug. 1 in Portugal, boasting that it has the "most nationalities attending the event."
(Photo from CBCP/ Roy Lagarde)
"It is the WYD with the most nationalities in its history," Jorge Messias, the head of the WYD logistics department, said in a statement published on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.
"Every country in the world, with the exception of Maldives, is actively participating in the festivities," Messias added.
On the first day of the event, a total of 354,000 registered pilgrims showed up.
Spain has the highest number of delegates, with more than 77,000 attendees.
Italy followed closely behind with 59,469, while the host nation Portugal welcomed 43,742 participants.
Meanwhile, France and the United States also made a strong showing with 42,482 and 19,196 participants, respectively.
Messias added that they anticipate approximately 750,000 pilgrims in Parque Eduardo, 1,000,000 million in Parque Tejo, and over 25,000 volunteers from around the world.
Among them are over 100 volunteers who proudly represent the Philippines.
'Spreading the faith in Jesus Christ'
CBCP added that young people over the age of 18 who are attending WYD think these gatherings contribute a lot "to spreading the faith in Jesus Christ."
Moreover, other participants think that the different WYDs help "reinforce the commitment of young people" and "make the Church's message resound throughout the world."
Meanwhile, 94 percent believe that meeting with Pope Francis is like "encountering Jesus Christ."
It was followed by 92 percent of "living new experiences," and 89 percent of it is a decisive factor to help "spread the message of Jesus Christ" and "to be at an event with Pope Francis."
However, CBCP said young people came to the event to get to know different cultures, new people, be with like-minded people, or establish a dialogue with young people of other religions.
In addition, 688 bishops and 30 cardinals have registered to participate in the significant gathering.
The event has garnered around 5,000 media professionals accredited to cover the proceedings, showcasing World Youth Day's global interest and impact.
The mass was held at the Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, presided over by Cardinal Manuel Clemente of Lisbon, to welcome all the pilgrims and express an inspiring World Youth Day.
"You are welcomed by the families and institutions that have made their spaces and their service available," he added.
Moreover, Pope Francis is set to take place on Aug. 2. His schedule includes institutional meetings with the Portuguese president, authorities, and diplomatic corps.
In the afternoon, the pope is expected to pray at the Jerónimos Monastery, offering a profound spiritual experience to the attendees. (Rhowen Del Rosario)