World Youth Day 2008

Member Note

Held every two to three years, World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world. Organized by the Catholic Church, WYD 2008 will be held in Sydney, Australia from July 15-20, 2008. Approximately 125,000 pilgrims from around the world and 100,000 Australians will converge on the city for a week-long series of events that culminate in an outdoor Mass with Pope Benedict XVI.¹

Fast Facts

1. Theme Song: "Receive the Power," written by Guy Sebastian and Gary Pinto
2. Theme: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8)¹
3. Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to Australia
4. Fourth papal visit to Australia
5. Approximately 26% of the Australian population is Catholic²

World Youth Day History

World Youth Day was initiated in 1984 by Pope John Paul II as a way to encourage young people to celebrate their Christian faith. The location of the next WYD will be announced by Pope Benedict XVI at the final Mass of WYD 2008.

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