Pope meets organizers of WYD 2011, registers as first participant

(July 2, 2010) Pope Benedict on Friday received in the Vatican a delegation of organizers and promoters of the World Youth Day to be celebrated in the Spanish capital Madrid next year and urged them to prepare for the important event for young people to meet Christ and his mother. The Pope noted that many young people will be converging on the beautiful city to listen to the word of Christ and to share the faith that unites them in order to build a better world inspired by Gospel values. He invited the organizers to cooperate generously in this wonderful initiative, which, he said, is not simply a mass meeting, but an excellent opportunity for young people of Spain and the world to be captivated by the love of Jesus who conquered sin and death. “One who has faith will never be disappointed, but will find strength to choose the right path,” the Pope added.
Earlier on Thursday, registrations opened for the Madrid World Youth Day, with Pope Benedict being the first participant to sign up. The registration system for the Aug. 16-21, 2011, event was presented at a press conference in Madrid before the registrations opened. Auxiliary Bishop César Franco of Madrid, general coordinator of WYD, pointed to the practical need for accurate registrations so as to "treat young people well" and "know how many are coming, how many need accommodation, food or cultural areas to cover their needs." Though participation is free in the main events of World Youth Day (the inaugural Mass, welcome ceremony, Way of the Cross, Saturday vigil and Sunday Mass), participants are encouraged to register and pay a fee that helps cover WYD costs and brings the benefits of being a registered participant. Fees for the full package (food, lodging, WYD pack and reserved seating sections at the events) range from €210 ($262) for participants from developed countries to €122 ($152) for participants from poorer countries. An early-registration discount is available. Participants are also encouraged to make a €10 ($12.50) donation in solidarity with pilgrims facing economic difficulties.