The 52,000 tickets made available for the youth gathering with Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at Lima's National Stadium have sold out, the secretary-general of the papal visit in the capital, Juan Bytton, announced on Monday evening.
"(…) tickets for the stadium sold out within an hour. We had announced that registration on Teleticket would open at 12 noon; by 1:15 p.m., there were already around 61,000 people in the queue," Bytton said in an interview with RPP.
"Reservations are no longer possible because all the tickets have been claimed," he added.
It is worth noting that this gathering is intended for young people between the ages of 16 and 35, regardless of whether or not they belong to a parish group.
Three young people to share their testimonies with Pope Leo XIV
The priest explained that the program will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will revolve around the theme of light.
Light is the motto chosen for the gathering, Bytton announced.
"Young person, I say to you, arise. This is the motto that inspires young people and, at the same time, their mission. They will be sent out as the light of the world," he stated.
During the main part of the vigil, three young people from different areas will share their experiences and ask the Supreme Pontiff questions.
Their testimonies will address professional vocation, family life, and religious life.
"Numerous testimonies and questions were reviewed. These young people were selected a month in advance," he said.
Delegations from the ecclesiastical province of Lima will take part, including those from Lurín, Carabayllo, Callao, Chosica, Huacho, Ica, Yauyos, and Cañete.
Where will Pope Leo XIV be positioned at the National Stadium?
Pope Leo XIV will preside over the gathering from a stage in the north-stand section. The location was determined by the stadium's event schedule and required coordination with event promoters regarding its setup.
"There was dialogue among the event promoters so that they could even use the same spaces. There was a great deal of cooperation. The stage is already being built," Bytton remarked.
The design will allow those in the north stands to also see the Supreme Pontiff.
"We requested assistance from the Vatican, specifically from the team that collaborates with the Pope, so that the north stands could also be used. It means, the entire stadium will be full," the priest indicated.
Attendees will be able to follow the vigil on two screens positioned on either side of the stage. Some 10,000 young people will be positioned on the field.
Until what time will attendees be allowed to enter?
Entry will begin at 11:00 a.m. Attendees will have six hours to enter the venue.
Those arriving after 5:00 p.m. will no longer be allowed in.
"The aim is to isolate the entire area for one hour to facilitate the Holy Father's passage. The Pope will begin a prayer vigil at 6:00 p.m., which will last until 7:30 p.m.," Mario Casaretto, head of Disaster Risk Management at the Lima Metropolitan Municipality, recently explained.
Drivers should take into account the planned road closures around the National Stadium. Casaretto identified the area encompassing José Gálvez Street, 28 de Julio, and Petit Thouars avenues, and the area behind the Magic Water Circuit.
Those with tickets may walk to the venue via Manuel Corpancho, Saco Oliveros, Madre de Dios, and Paseo de la República.
Upon entering their assigned section, their QR codes will be validated.
"Each area is identified by a color corresponding to the ticket they have," the official explained.
(END) KGR/MVB