The decision was made public today. For the diocesan World Youth Day of 2014, the theme is "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt, 5:3). For that of 2015, the theme will be "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Mt, 5:8). And for World Youth Day in Krakow in 2016, it will "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy" (Mt, 5:7).

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis has decided that the themes for the next three World Youth Days will be taken from the Gospel Beatitudes.

The decision was made public in a statement today. For the diocesan World Youth Day of 2014, the theme is "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt, 5:3). For that of 2015, it will be "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Mt, 5:8). And for World Youth Day in Krakow in 2016, it will "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy" (Mt, 5:7).

During World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Francis called on young people, "with all my heart," to re-read the Beatitudes and turn them into an actual lifetime programme.

The themes chosen for the next three WYD are meant to be the stages of a three-year spiritual preparation that will culminate in the international celebration with the pope in Krakow in July 2016.

 

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• youth
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• beatitudes