Blessed John Paul II to become patron saint of World Youth Day

February 07, 2014

When Pope Francis canonizes Blessed John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, he will also proclaim him patron saint of World Youth Day, L’Osservatore Romano noted.

In his message for the 29th World Youth Day, which will be held on Palm Sunday at the Vatican, Pope Francis said that “the canonization of John Paul II, to be celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, will be an event marked by immense joy.”

“He will be the great patron of the World Youth Days which he inaugurated and always supported,” Pope Francis added. “In the communion of saints he will continue to be a father and friend to all of you.”

Blessed John Paul announced World Youth Day in 1985, and the first World Youth Day was held the following year. International gatherings are interspersed with the Palm Sunday gatherings at the Vatican; the next worldwide celebration take place in Krakow in 2016.

 

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Further information:

• Il contagio della gioia: Giovanni Paolo II sarà proclamato patrono delle gmg (L’Osservatore Romano)
• Message of Pope Francis for the 29th World Youth Day, 2014: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3) (Holy See)
• Find true happiness in poverty, Pope urges in World Youth Day message (CWN, 2/6)