DIASPORANow only 400 pilgrims remain of the 913 that were part of the WYD Cape Verdean delegation
Of the 913 Cape Verdeans who were due to participate as of today in the World Youth Day, there are just over 400 left, informed today the deacon Daniel Vaz.
The Cape Verdean delegation to the World Youth Day, which is in Portugal, currently accounts for just over 400 people, that is, approximately half of the entourage that left Cape Verde.
The information was provided to RCV by the spokesman for the Cape Verdean delegation, deacon Daniel Vaz, according to which the deserters must assume their responsibilities and answer to the authorities.
The Church is not responsible for anyone's actions.
Daniel Vaz explained, however, that the church is not responsible for anyone's actions and that it only speaks of pilgrims who, in fact, are taking part in WYD activities.
“It is one thing to say the number of people who left Cape Verde and another thing is to say how many pilgrims came to WYD. For the journey, we have just over 400 young people at the moment”, he informed.
According to advanced information since the beginning of preparations for WYD, the Cape Verdean delegation consisted of 913 pilgrims, including religious.
Daniel Vaz says, however, that the flight of pilgrims does not tarnish the image of the Catholic Church. “Each one takes responsibility for their actions. The church is not here to control or assume anyone's actions”, he reiterated.
168 Cape Verdeans without whereabouts
Almost 200 Cape Verdean and Angolan pilgrims, who are taking part in the World Youth Day in Lisbon, did not show up at the Leiria-Fátima Diocese, the Foreigners and Borders Service revealed today.
In a press conference, this Tuesday, the superior coordinating inspector of the Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service, Cláudia Rocha, had already revealed the alleged disappearance of 195 young people, of which 168 Cape Verdeans and 27 Angolans.
The person in charge underlines, however, that although they did not appear at the place where they were supposed to be in their activities, it does not mean that they are not authorized to remain in Portuguese territory, not least because all of them, from the outset, had valid visas to participate.
W/ RCV and Observer
