According to a global survey, an overwhelming 96% of young people aged 18 and above, participating in World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal, believe that these gatherings significantly contribute to spreading faith in Jesus Christ.
The participants also express that WYDs play a crucial role in reinforcing the commitment of young people (96%) and amplifying the Church's message across the world (95%).
Encountering Jesus Christ stands as the top motivation for attending this international event with the Pope, as expressed by 94% of the respondents.
Additionally, 92% are eager to embrace new experiences, while 89% find it decisive in spreading Jesus Christ's message and sharing the joy of being part of an event with Pope Francis.
These findings highlight the profound impact of WYD in connecting young people with their faith, fostering commitment, and promoting the message of love and hope worldwide.
While the primary motivation for young people attending the international meeting with the Pope in Lisbon is the desire to encounter Jesus Christ, as stated by 94% of the respondents, 92% are also enthusiastic about embracing new experiences. Moreover, 89% consider it a pivotal factor in spreading the message of Jesus Christ and relish the opportunity to be part of an event with Pope Francis.
Beyond these core motivations, there are additional reasons for their participation, though to a lesser extent.
Some of these include the curiosity to explore different cultures, meet new people, engage with like-minded individuals, and foster dialogue with young people of diverse religious backgrounds. These collective aspirations reflect the diverse and enriching experiences that young participants seek to gain from their involvement in World Youth Day.
The majority of World Youth Day pilgrims perceive their Christian faith as a positive catalyst for personal growth and contributing to a better world. They view it as a means of maturing, becoming better individuals, demonstrating solidarity, understanding others, and finding happiness in life.
The study highlights that the WYD attendees are predominantly comprised of women, accounting for 62% of the participants. Among the pilgrims, 4 out of 10 fall in the age group of 18 to 25 years old, while close to one-third are over 35. Moreover, a significant 82% possess higher education qualifications, with 6 out of 10 holding a job and slightly over one-third pursuing academic studies.
When it comes to religious practices, a substantial 83% attend Mass on Sundays, demonstrating their commitment to regular worship.
Additionally, 65% engage in daily prayers, reflecting their strong devotion, and 62% are actively involved in a parish group, indicating their sense of community and participation in church life. These statistics provide valuable insights into the diverse and dedicated characteristics of the WYD pilgrims.
A significant portion of participants, 36%, have been accompanied by a religious group or association during their journey to WYD, while 29% have been joined by their respective parishes. A notable 27% of attendees have either chosen to come alone or have decided to be part of a group of friends.
For a majority of the pilgrims, this event marks their first-ever participation in a WYD, comprising two-thirds of the attendees. Those who have had previous WYD experiences express overwhelmingly positive sentiments, with 99% describing their past encounters as very positive or positive.
Furthermore, 92% acknowledge that these prior experiences have had a profound impact on shaping their lives.
The survey, which provided these insightful findings, was conducted by the Spanish company GAD3 through online interviews spanning from July 12 to July 20.
Nearly 12,600 young people from 100 countries participated in the survey, offering valuable perspectives on their motivations and experiences at WYD.