Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis has announced the themes for the next three World Youth Days, inspired by the Beatitudes, as the build up to the next international youth gathering in 2016 gathers pace.

The 31st World Youth Day—the 15th international World Youth Day gathering—will take place in the Polish city of Kraków in 2016, a decision that was announced in July by Pope Francis at World Youth Day 2013 in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

The themes are taken from the Gospel Beatitudes and mark a three-year itinerary of spiritual preparation for Kraków 2016.

For World Youth Day next year, pilgrims will be asked to reflect on the theme: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’

The following year World Youth Day participants will focus on the message: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’

The theme for the 15th international World Youth Day gathering in Poland, which will be the second to have taken place in Poland after the 1991 celebration, will be: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.’

In Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis asked the young pilgrims ‘with all my heart’ to read the Beatitudes again and to make them the action plan for their lives.

Kraków is the former Episcopal see of Blessed John Paul II, who founded the tradition of World Youth Day in 1986.

—[email protected]