From Krakow to Panama. The Synod Journeying with Young People

Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life

FROM KRAKOW TO PANAMA
The Synod Journeying with Young People
Rome, 5-9 April 2017

Press release
4 April 2017

The Holy Father Francis, in the Letter to the young people that he wrote on the occasion of the publication of the Preparatory Document for the XV General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be dedicated to the youth, recalled the most recent World Youth Day: "In Krakow, […] I asked you several times: 'Can we change things?' And you shouted: 'yes!' [...] The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds."

To respond effectively to these words of the Holy Father and follow the path of the WYD, the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life has organized, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, the Conference "From Krakow to Panama. The Synod on the way with young people," which will take place in Rome this week, from 5 to 9 April 2017, at the International Pontifical College Maria Mater Ecclesiae. During this encounter, time will be dedicated to analyzing the Krakow WYD, and the organizing Committee preparing the 2019 WYD in Panama will report on its work.

Nearly 270 delegates from 103 countries and 44 movements, associations, and communities, are expected in Rome. There will be many young participants.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, and Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop emeritus of Krakow, will open the day dedicated to Krakow, while Msgr. José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, Archbishop of Panama, will coordinate the day dedicated to the presentation of the Panama WYD.

The novelty of this event is that two days will be dedicated to the presentation of the Preparatory Document of the next Synod of Bishops. Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, and Msgr. Fabio Fabene, Bishop Under-secretary of the Synod of Bishops, will explain the Preparatory Document and the dynamics of the consultation in the local Churches to the youth ministry directors of the Episcopal Conferences and the young people present.

On the evening of Friday, 7 April, in the Sala Sinopoli of "Rome's Music Park," Gen Rosso & Gen Verde will give a concert to which hundreds of young people have been invited. The place was not chosen haphazardly: it is intended to be a "bridge" of dialogue and sharing for the young believers with all their peers.

Then, on Saturday, 8 April, all will gather in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for a prayer vigil in preparation for the Mass at World Youth Day, which both this year and next year will be celebrated at the diocesan level.

On Sunday, 9 April, all the delegates will participate in the celebration of World Youth Day to be held in St. Peter's Square, where Holy Mass presided by Pope Francis.