World Youth Day, which takes place next week in Lisbon in the presence of Pope Francis and an expected one million pilgrims, is the largest Catholic event in the world.
Initiated in 1986 by Pope John Paul II, the global gathering is normally held every two or three years, although the calendar was disrupted by the COVID pandemic. The most recent World Youth Day was in Panama City in 2019.
The 16th international edition this year runs from August 1 to August 6, presided over by 86-year-old Pope Francis, making his first trip abroad since undergoing hernia surgery in June.
The week revolves around a series of cultural, spiritual and festive events, from concerts to debates and prayer sessions.
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