John Paul, patron saint of World Youth Day

From Pope Francis’ Angelus yesterday:

At the end of this celebration I offer s special greeting to the 250 delegates – bishops, priests, religious and laypeople – who participated in the meeting about World Youth Days that was organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

In this begins the journey of preparation for the next  world gathering, which will take place in June 2016 in Krakow and will have as its theme “Blessed are the merciful, for they will find mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

In a moment the young people of Brazil will hand over the World Youth Day Cross to the young people of Poland. 30 years ago Bl. John Paul II handed over the cross to young people. He asked them to carry it throughout the world as a sign of Christ’s love for humanity.

On April 27 we will all have the joy of celebrating the canonization of this Pope together with John XXIII. John Paul II, he started the World Youth Days, will become their great patron saint. In the communion of saints he will continue to be a father and friend to the young people of the world.