Overview of WYD

Since 1984, Pope John Paul II has been gathering young people from all over the world. The history of attendance at previous World Youth Days (at the closing mass with the Pope) is as follows:

YEAR LOCATION USA ATTENDANCE TOTAL ATTENDANCE
1984/5 Rome, Italy Not known Two gatherings of 300,000 each
1987 Buenos Aires, Argentina Not known 900,000
1989 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Not known 400,000
1991 Czestochowa, Poland Not known 1,600,000
1993 Denver, USA 180,000 500,000
1995 Manila, Philippines 1,000 4,000,000
1997 Paris, France 13,000 1,200,000
2000 Rome, Italy 20,000 2,000,000
2002 Toronto, Canada 57,000 800,000
2005 Cologne, Germany 25,000 1,000,000
2008 Sydney, Australia 10,000+ expected 500,000 expected

Even though the international World Youth Day gatherings happen about every 2-3 years, World Youth Day itself is celebrated each year. Some of the 'total attendance" numbers above reflect the total population at the closing Mass which includes many locals who attended only that one event.

World Youth Day Typical Schedule of Events


Tues
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning






Afternoon







Evening

Day of Welcoming


Arrival and Welcome



Opening ceremony

Catechetical Session w/ participating bishops



afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities

Catechetical Session w/ participating bishops



afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities

Catechetical Session w/ participating bishops



afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities


Stations of the Cross

Pilgrimage to Vigil Site











Vigil Celebration & sleep over

Closing Liturgy w/ Holy Father

Email us at wyd@usccb.org
World Youth Day - FLWY | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-5417 © USCCB. All rights reserved.





World Youth Day - FLWY | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-5417 © USCCB. All rights reserved.