Pope John Paul II founded World Youth Day to encourage youth in their faith; the first official event was held in 1986. It has become the largest gathering of young people in the world. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 2.5 million people.
The theme for WYD in Krakow, Poland, is “Blessed Are the Merciful, for They Will Be Shown Mercy,” to coincide with the global Year of Mercy.
In a message to World Youth Day coordinators, Pope Francis said: “Krakow, the city of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina Kowalska, is waiting for us with open arms and hearts.” Sts. John Paul II and Faustina, pray for pilgrims!
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