IN COMING DAYS, ROME WILL BE CAPITAL OF WORLD'S YOUTH

VATICAN CITY, AUG 15, 2000 (VIS) - "It may be said that from today until Sunday, Rome will be the capital of the youth of the world!" It was with these words that, prior to reciting the angelus at Castelgandolfo, the Pope referred to the opening of World Youth Day, which will run from August 15 to 20.

After highlighting that "this year, August 15, at the heart of the Holy Year, marks the beginning of the world meeting of youth," the Pope gave thanks to the organizers and volunteers "for what they have already done and for what they will do over the coming days to ensure the success of the great Jubilee of youth." He also especially thanked "the families, parishes, schools and institutes that have opened their doors to welcome the young pilgrims who have come from all parts of the world."

The Holy Father also made reference to today's Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin, saying: "The Assumption of Mary Most Holy reminds us that our true homeland is heaven, (she) offers us her maternal aid to prepare us for the definitive meeting with Christ, at the end of our pilgrimage on earth."

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