Information on the World Youth Day

The World Youth Day constitutes a series of meetings of young people from all around the world with the Pope, churchmen, and catechists. The event are organised every 2 to 3 years and it takes the form of a religious festival that is full of interesting religious and cultural festivities that last several days. The idea of the World Youth Day was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985. The first meeting took place in Rome. In the years to follow, Buenos Aires, Manila, Toronto, and Sydney constituted the venues for the World Youth Day. Each time, the festivities attract the attention of a throng of believers that want to spend their time praying and exchanging their experiences. The World Youth Day which took place in Rio de Janeiro broke the record for the number of participants – a total of 3.7 million people took part in the mass with Pope Francis. In 1991, Poland organised the World Youth Day for the first time. Back in those days, Pope John Paul II met with young people in Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa near Cracow. The upcoming 31st World Youth Day will be held between 27 and 31 July in Cracow. The motto of the WYD is: "Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy" (original: "Błogosławieni miłosierni, albowiem oni miłosierdzia dostąpią”). This will also be the first visit of Pope Francis in Poland. The opening mess of the World Youth Day, Way of the Cross, and solemn welcoming of Father Francis will be held in Błonia in Cracow. The night vigil and mass that concludes the World Youth Day will be lead by the Pope in Brzegi near Cracow.