Pope Francis arrived in Lisbon for World Youth Day. He arrived in the Portuguese capital yesterday morning to take part in the massive demonstration and to launch his call for more united international cooperation. "We know that today the great questions are global, yet we often experience the ineffectiveness in responding to them precisely because in the face of common problems the world is divided, or at least not cohesive enough, incapable of facing together what puts everyone in crisis - said Pope Bergoglio in his first intervention on Portuguese soil, during a meeting with the authorities of Portugal - It seems that planetary injustices, May wars, climate and migration crises run faster than the ability, and often the willingness, to face these challenges together". According to the pontiff, it is concerning that more money is spent on weapons than on children's futures. In terms of the event's future role, he stated, "If in many parts today there is a climate of protest and dissatisfaction, fertile ground for populism and conspiracy, World Youth Day is an opportunity to build together." During a homily yesterday afternoon, Pope Francis addressed the issue of scandals, saying that they cause disappointment and anger and disfigure the face of the Church. At the end of yesterday evening, Pope Francis received a group of 13 people, victims of abuse by members of the clergy. The Pope's journey continues today, with other meetings with young people.
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