Francisco Velarde, a 21-year-old Spaniard, experienced a life-changing moment at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, when he had the rare opportunity to confess to Pope Francis.
An Unbelievable Privilege
After the confession on Friday, August 4, Velarde was still in disbelief and described feeling as if he were in a cloud, trying to assimilate everything that had happened.
The enormity of the occasion left him feeling overwhelmed, and he found it challenging to come to terms with the experience even hours later.
Nonetheless, the young man from Córdoba considered it an immense privilege to have the chance to confess to the Pope.
Months of Preparation and Anticipation
Velarde received news of the event a month before the actual confession, and since then, he had been meticulously preparing for the encounter.
Wanting to make the most of the limited time with the Holy Father, he carefully noted down what he intended to share.
The young Spaniard aimed to discuss the important aspects of his life, seek advice, and seek guidance for his journey ahead.
An Emotional and Profound Confession
With a heart full of trepidation and excitement, Velarde opened up during the confession, sharing the sins that weighed heaviest on his soul.
For him, this was the confession of a lifetime, a deeply emotional and profound experience that he knew would be hard to replicate.
He also voiced some past confessions, wanting the Pope’s counsel and forgiveness as a representative of God on earth.
Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis
During the sacrament of reconciliation, Pope Francis offered Velarde valuable insights, commenting on his life and encouraging him to be courageous in love.
The Holy Father emphasized the importance of love, especially during challenging times when it might be more difficult to do so.
He urged the young Spaniard to follow Christ with bravery and maintain a joyful spirit.
A Message for All Young People
With the Pope’s permission, Velarde embraced his role as a messenger and passed on the Holy Father’s encouraging words to all young people.
He implored his peers to be brave and courageous, seeking joy in following the path of Christ.
Velarde’s encounter with Pope Francis left an indelible mark on him, igniting a desire to share this profound message of love and courage with others.
Conclusion
Francisco Velarde’s confession with Pope Francis at World Youth Day proved to be a life-changing event.
The emotional and heartfelt encounter allowed Velarde to seek guidance, receive counsel, and experience forgiveness from the Pope.
The words of wisdom from Pope Francis motivated Velarde to be courageous in love and inspired him to become a messenger, encouraging all young people to embrace bravery and courage in their own lives.
This extraordinary experience will undoubtedly remain etched in Velarde’s heart forever, shaping his journey of faith.
