Pope Francis’ first address to the young people gathered for his welcoming ceremony in Lisbon on August 3 was ‘A Church open to all, universal, calling everyone to follow Christ.’ And if ever there was a photo to symbolize this exhortation, it’s this one of a young Brazilian man with a disability being lifted at arm’s length by his friends in his wheelchair, so that he too can see the Pope on the day of the vigil, Saturday, August 5. Fr. Omar Sánchez Portillo, a priest known for his extensive solidarity work in Peru, shared the photo on his social networks. It quickly went viral because of the pure, profound joy it radiates. “For me, this photo reflects what the Church is all about: universality, joy, hope, and love,” he says. I am sure there were many other touching and meaningful moments like this one during that historic week in Lisbon, many of which were not recorded. But it gives the world hope for the future of the church, when scenes like these take place, in spite of the criticism that is thrown at young people.
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