Young Catholics sing, show off dance moves as they wait for pope

Record ID: 1736321

  • Title: Young Catholics sing, show off dance moves as they wait for pope
  • Date: 3rd August 2023
  • Summary: LISBON, PORTUGAL (AUGUST 3, 2023) (REUTERS) PILGRIMS WAITING FOR POPE FRANCIS AND CHANTING BACKSTREET BOYS SONGS VARIOUS OF PILGRIMS WAITING FOR POPE FRANCIS DANCING AND SINGING (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PILGRIM FROM PANAMA ELIO GONZALEZ, SAYING: “We have to have it clear that we are the present and the future. We are not just the future, we are also the present. The church depends on our aptitudes and beliefs and on what we are going to pass on to our younger brothers. Pope could say a thousand things but if we don´t see it like that we won´t grow. The church needs to grow and that is what I am hoping for.” (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) PILGRIM FROM BRAZIL LUIS, SAYING: “The Church is often seen as something serious and, in fact, within the church, by experiencing the love of Christ and witnessing this joy, we can show the world that it is worth being here, regardless of age. And this is where we also renew our youth.” (SOUNDBITE) (English) PILGRIM FROM U.S SAMANTHA LUCERO, SAYING: “It has been undescribable that feeling the power of the Holy Spirit is overwhelming. And if you're not here, I wish I could share what I'm experiencing with you.” (SOUNDBITE) (English) TAIWANESE PRIEST, SINWEE CHIN, 60, SAYING: “This is a good impression to show people that we are in one church, not only in one country, but all over the world the Catholic Church. And this is the most important impression for people to look at our church.” (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) PILGRIM FROM PORTUGAL MARIANA MOREIRA, ON THE SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDALS: “It is a sad part, its true. It is true that it must also be remembered, but at this moment, at this moment we want to welcome the people of our country and show them that we are not all the same and that religion can still overcome these evil things and that young people are here to show that religion is beautiful and that we should live it that way.” VARIOUS OF PILGRIMS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE WAVING THEIR NATIONAL FLAGS MEXICAN TRADITIONAL HAT “SOMBRERO” / MEXICAN PILGRIMS CHEERING NUNS AT EVENT
  • Embargoed: 17th August 2023 17:37
  • Keywords: Pope Francis Pope visit to Lisbon Pope´s welcome ceremony WYD World Youth Day
  • Location: LISBON, PORTUGAL
  • City: LISBON, PORTUGAL
  • Country: Portugal
  • Topics: Europe,Religion/Belief,Society/Social Issues
  • Reuters ID: LVA001204403082023RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Singing and showing off their dance moves, thousands of faithful from around the globe were buzzing with energy on Thursday (August 3) as they waited for Pope Francis to take the stage in Lisbon for the world's largest gathering of young Catholics.
    The youngsters waved their countries' flags and sang everything from pop hits by former boy band One Direction and American singer Bruno Mars to religious music.
    Groups of Mexican participants wore their country's famous hat, the sombrero, while some French attendees were seen using the well-known beret.
    Portuguese Mariana Moreira, 20, was delighted to attend the event in her native country.
    Asked about the clergy sexual abuse scandal, Moreira, from northern Portuguese city of Barcelos, said it was "unfortunate" and that victims should be "remembered".
    The pope landed in Lisbon to a sea of young Catholics who have poured into the city from around the globe for the World Youth Day festival, held every two or three years in a different city.
    It is the fourth such event Francis will preside over since he became pope in 2013.
    Young Catholics from nearly every country in the world have registered for the event and Portuguese authorities expect more than 1 million people.
    (Production: Miguel Pereira, Catarina Demony, Silvio Castellanos)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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