Pope Francis Decides On World Youth Day Themes

Pope Francis has announced themes for the next three World Youth Days, marking the spiritual preparation that will lead to WYD Krakow in 2016.

The themes are based on the Beatitudes, which comes as no surprise after the Holy Father's words at WYD Rio:

In Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis asked the young people “with all my heart” to read the Beatitudes again and to make them the action plan for their lives: “Look, read the Beatitudes: that will do you good!”

So the theme for the 29^th World Youth Day, 2014 is: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).

The theme for the 30^th World Youth Day, 2015 is: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Mt 5:8).

Finally, the theme for the 31^st World Youth Day in Krakow is: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7).

Blessed John Paul II, pray for us, and especially for your beloved young people, that they may live the Beatitudes with joy.