(February 11, 2011) When Pope Benedict XVI will be in the Spanish capital, Madrid
this August for the World Youth Day (WYD), he will be meeting various groups in addition
to the young people. WYD organizers released the provisional schedule for the Aug.
16-21 international event. The Pope will arrive in Spain on Aug. 18, and in addition
to the main events for World Youth Day, he will meet college professors, the disabled,
seminarians, religious sisters and volunteers. WYD organizers noted that the gathering
with university professors is unique for a youth day. Carla Díez de Rivera, director
of the WYD Cultural Department, reflected: “This encounter shows the Pope’s special
esteem for the world of higher learning and culture, as has been seen in similar encounters
held in Germany, France and England.” Just prior to the Saturday vigil with the youth,
the Holy Father will visit the Fundación Instituto San José, a center run by the Brothers
of St. John of God to treat people with mental and physical disabilities. He will
address a group of WYD participants with disabilities as well as residents of the
centre. Another meeting and Mass is scheduled with seminarians in the Cathedral of
La Almudena.