Pope Francis announces themes for World Youth Days

Pope Francis has decided on the themes for the next three World Youth Days. These mark a three-year itinerary of spiritual preparation that will culminate with the international WYD with the Successor of Peter scheduled for Krakow in Poland in July 2016.

29th World Youth Day, 2014

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).

30th World Youth Day, 2015

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Mt 5:8)

31st World Youth Day, 2016 (Krakow)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7)

The three themes are taken from the Gospel Beatitudes. In Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis asked the young people “with all my heart” to read the Beatitudes again and to make them the action plan for their lives: “Look, read the Beatitudes: that will do you good!” (cf. Meeting with the youth from Argentina gathered in the Cathedral of São Sebastião, 25 July 2013).

Source: news.va (Nov. 7, 2013)