Pontiff Announces Theme for World Youth Day 2013

(August 25, 2011) "Go and make disciples to all nations" will be the theme of World Youth Day 2013, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 18 to 23. This was announced Wednesday by Pope Benedict XVI at the end of the general audience held in Castel Gandolfo, noting that "it is the mandate given by Jesus." The theme for Rio 2013 is taken from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 28 verse 19. The theme chosen by the Pope stresses the missionary character of the next WYD, an element already highlighted by Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, during a press conference in Madrid on Sunday. The Holy Father also announced the theme for next year's diocesan-level WYD, traditionally held on Palm Sunday. The 2012 WYD theme will be taken from St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord Always." Pope Benedict XVI asked the faithful during the audience to pray for these events. Pope Benedict XVI drew attention to several moments of WYD in Madrid, which he described as, a: “formidable joy, an experience of fellowship, of encounter with the Lord, sharing and growth in faith, a veritable cascade of light." He recalled the storm that hit Cuatro Vientos airport Saturday night, during the vigil of prayer. And he noted how the "young people were not at all intimidated” by this adversity, but instead gathered in "silence and worship." In his address, Pope Benedict XVI thanked all those who worked in the organization of World Youth Day and expressed his "gratitude" to the Spanish authorities and institutions.