Pope Francis spent his second day in Lisbon for World Youth Day yesterday, giving him the opportunity to send a message to the many young people who traveled to the Portuguese capital to hear him speak. At the Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, yesterday morning, the pontiff addressed young university students giving hope for the future. On the subject of the climate crisis, addressing young people, Pope Bergoglio stated, "You are the generation that can overcome this challenge: you have the most advanced scientific and technological tools, but please do not fall into the trap of narrow visions." He did not lack his thoughts on the role of university education: "It would be a waste to think of a university committed to training the new generations only to perpetuate the current elitist and unequal system of the world, in which higher education remains a privilege for the few". And looking to the future, the pontiff said that "women's contribution is indispensable," particularly for a more human economy. In the late afternoon of yesterday, at Parque Eduardo VII, the Pope took part in the welcoming ceremony for the WYD participants from around the world. According to local authorities, 500,000 young people from around the globe greeted Pope Francis with singing and dancing as he made a lengthy tour of the green area in the popemobile. In his address to them, he cautioned them to be wary of "wolves" on social media, while also emphasizing that there is room in the Church for everyone, young and old, righteous and sinners. Therefore, the second day of World Youth Day was devoted to the role that younger generations can and will play in addressing global issues.
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