WORLD Youth Day 2016 commences in Krakow, Poland on July 25, and runs for about a week with many spiritual events during that time.
Saint Pope John Paul 11 initiated World Youth Day in 1986. His personal charism with the young was unequalled. Many were drawn to the events in Denver, Manila, Paris, Rome and other cities that hosted the event over the years.
Pope Francis, a great supporter of the event, has spoken on many occasions about the upcoming World Youth Day, in one of his recent messages to youth, he said: “We continue our spiritual pilgrimage toward Krakow, where in July 2016 the next international World Youth Day will be held. As our guide for the journey we have chosen the Beatitudes. Last year we reflected on the beatitude of the poor in spirit, within the greater context of the Sermon on the Mount. Together we discovered the revolutionary meaning of the Beatitudes and the powerful summons of Jesus to embark courageously upon the exciting quest for happiness. This year we will reflect on the sixth beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt 5:8).