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Pilgrims cheer prior to the opening Mass for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug 1, 2023. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller) (Bob Roller)

Home > News > Commentary > The ‘life-changing’ experience of World Youth Day

The ‘life-changing’ experience of World Youth Day

August 2, 2023January 21, 2026

By MARÍA WIERINGOsv News OSV News -In 1997, then 19-year-old Jessica Smith sang on the papal stage at World Youth Day in Paris as pilgrims made their way to Longchamp Racecourse for the event's final Mass with Pope St. John Paul II. She was amazed by the sheer number of people, she said, and while…...