Pope wraps up WYD 2023 with massive Lisbon Mass

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 6 - Pope Francis wrapped up World YouthDay 2023 with a massive Mass at Lisbon's Tejo park on Sundaybefore 1.5 million young people from all over the world, as wellas 10,000 priests and 700 bishops.
   The Argentine pontiff told the young pilgrims that "the worldneeds you, like the earth needs rain.
   "I would like to look into the eyes of each one of you and sayto you: do not be afraid," he added, telling them that Jesus waslooking out on them"He is looking at us. He knows you. He knows the heart of eachone of you. He knows the life of each one of you. He knows yourjoys, He knows your sorrows, your successes, and your failures.
   "He knows your hearts, and He says to you today, here, inLisbon, at this World Youth Day, 'Do not be afraid. Do not beafraid. Take heart, do not be afraid".
   Francis also asked the crowd for prayers for people unable toattend the event because of armed conflicts and wars.
   "There are many of them in our world," he said.
   "In thinking of this continent. I feel great sorrow for belovedUkraine, which continues to suffer greatly."He shared "a dream that I carry within me - the dream of peace,the dream of young people praying for peace, living in peace andbuilding a peaceful future".
   He invited the young people to Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee inRome and announced that the next World Youth Day would takeplace in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027. (ANSA).