LISBON - World Youth Day in Lisbon reached an emotional high on its fifth day as Pope Francis led a deeply spiritual Rosary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. The day was marked by the enthusiastic participation of thousands of young pilgrims, who expressed their faith and devotion during the Pope's visit to the Chapel of the Apparitions.

At the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, a dark hue covered the sky, creating a striking contrast as the Sun appeared blood red while the moon shone white as snow. Outside the sanctuary, pilgrims continued to walk down the roads towards the entrance, carrying stools, icons, and children in their arms or by the hand.

Inside the Shrine, thousands of faithful had already gathered, many having arrived in the early hours of the morning to secure front row seats for the Pope's arrival. They set up makeshift tents and umbrellas to stay cool in the sweltering heat, eagerly awaiting the Holy Father's presence.

Pope Francis arrived in his Popemobile, taking his time to bless countless babies and young children along the way. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of familiarity, with generations of families gathered together, from newborn babies to grandparents. Pope Francis' visit to Fatima was a separate occasion from the official World Youth Day celebrations, attracting devoted believers seeking spiritual guidance and solace.

In the Chapel of the Apparitions, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Rosary, accompanied by a group of around 100 young people with disabilities and several inmates from Portugal's Leiria prison. Leading the faithful in a decade of the Rosary was Samantha, a young lady with disabilities from Italy, who admirably guided the 200,000 attendees in the prayer of the Rosary, ending in a round of applause.

During the prayer, a profound silence engulfed the collective voice of millions of souls, all united in a heartfelt plea for peace in the world and an end to violence and war. The Pope's silent prayer served as a moving anticipation of the fourth mystery of the Rosary, which centered on the supplication for peace.

Following the Rosary, Pope Francis addressed the pilgrims with extensive off-the-cuff remarks, emphasizing the importance of Mary as a mother who always rushes to help whenever there is a problem. He highlighted the welcoming and open nature of the Church, stating that it has no doors, allowing everyone to enter freely.

"The Church has no doors, so that everyone can enter," Pope Francis said. "A mother always has an open heart for all her children, everyone, everyone, everyone, without exclusion."

The Pope's words resonated with the young people and journalists present, who shared their stories and experiences during the World Youth Day events. A French journalist, typically shy, remarked that there was something different about the event, describing it as "a little village" where he encountered familiar faces from different countries.

Pope Francis' visit to the Chapel of the Apparitions was met with excitement and joy by the pilgrims, who expressed their devotion and love for the Holy Father. The Pope urged the young pilgrims to be constant, consistent, and never to give up, reminding them that they learn through practice in their journey of life.

"As time passes, the air gets cooler and the sun lower. A group of pilgrims from Jamaica share the story of their two-day journey and of their excitement for what they describe as 'a big sleepover'," the young pilgrims shared. "We have come with mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, and warm clothes, in hope that the temperatures will drop in the night."

As the evening descended, Pope Francis concluded the Rosary with a prayer tweet, consecrating the Church and the world, especially countries at war, to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Pope's visit to Fatima left a profound impact on the young faithful, who found comfort in the presence of their spiritual leader and in the prayers for peace, hope, and the joy of the Gospel.

The collective response of the youth was one of unity, as they placed their hands on each other's shoulders during the prayer, forming a powerful bond of connection and solidarity.