Polish officials raise security concerns about World Youth Day site in Krakow

April 05, 2016

Public officials in Poland have voiced concerns about security problems at the site where World Youth Day festivities are scheduled in July.

World Youth Day will take place in Krakow, with Pope Francis celebrating the closing Mass on July 31. A leaked government report says that the site for the closing Mass is unsatisfactory for several reasons: inadequate access routes, a nearby power line, insufficient medical facilities, and the possibility of flooding from the Vistula River. The report makes numerous suggestions for improving security arrangements.

Bishop Damian Muskus, a Krakow auxiliary who is the chief organizer for the World Youth Day celebration, said that the government report does not take into account some work that has already been done to improve the site. “We must do everything to make this site 100% safe for the participants and for the Pope,” he said. “Such solutions exist.”

 

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Further information:

• Leaked report: safety issues raised on Pope’s World Youth Day Mass (AP)