World Youth Day '27

Background:

World Youth Day (WYD) is an annual celebration started by Pope John Paul II as a way to inspire the youth and encourage them in living the teachings of Christ. In 1984 and 1985 he invited young people of the world to Rome for a Palm Sunday celebration in St Peter's Square before announcing the institution of World Youth Day on December 20, 1985.

The first official WYD was held in Rome in 1986. Since then, WYD has been celebrated either on Palm Sunday locally, or every 2-3 years as an international celebration hosted in a global city. In 2019 WYD local celebrations were moved to the feast of Christ the King. Young people continue to answer the invitation of the Holy Father in staggering numbers and carry home the message received there to be Christ's light to the world.

Experience

International WYD week begins with an opening Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of the hosting city. During the week youth gather in churches and locations around the city to listen to each other and bishops, to learn more about the teachings of the faith through catechesis and festivals. Mid-week the Pope arrives in the city and will be welcomed by the young people and he will lead a Stations of the Cross and a concluding Mass, which often attracts millions of pilgrims.

Click here to view the 'Key elements of pilgrimage', learn what the WYD pilgrimage means for pilgrims who attend.