In the Holy Year of Redemption (1984), Pope John Paul II invited young people around the world for an International Jubilee of youth on Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s square. Looking out to the crowd of 300,000 that answered his invitation he said, “What a fantastic spectacle is presented on this stage by your gathering here today! Who claimed that today’s youth has lost their sense of values? Is it really true that they cannot be counted on?” The World Youth Day Cross is entrusted to the youth to "be carried throughout the world as a symbol of the love of Christ for humanity." World Youth Day is typically every three years. This year, it was held in Krakow, Poland from July 25, 2016 to July 31,2016. Approximately 2.5 million people attended World Youth Day 2016 and it definitely was a sign to the world that the youth are active in the Church. I did not physically attend the pilgrimage but did follow along online. Pope Francis is no doubt a great leader. He also does a wonderful job reaching out to the young via social media. Throughout the week, he would tweet directly to the youth regarding our relationship with the Lord. Archbishop Aymond (from the Archdiocese of New Orleans) often says, "You are not the Church of tomorrow, you are the young Church of today." So for those that were hanging out with Frankie (Pope Francis) in Krakow, I hope you had a wonderful time representing all of us around the world.

Here are Pope Francis' tweets throughout the week:

1. The Lord is amongst us and takes care of us, without deciding for us.

2. The Lord loves to participate in the events of our daily lives and to walk with us.

3. A merciful heart has the courage to leave comforts behind and to encounter others, embracing everyone.

4. Jesus Christ encourages us to lift up our eyes and to dream lofty dreams. During these days of the WYD, Jesus wants to enter our homes.

5. How I wish that we, as Christians, could be close to the sick the same way Jesus was: in silence, with caress and in prayer.

6. Anyone who performs works of mercy is not afraid of death.

7. Let us embrace the Cross. Jesus embraces the nakedness, hunger, thirst, loneliness, suffering and death of all men and women of all time.

8. Dear young people, this evening the Lord renews His invitation to take the lead in serving others.

9. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice". Francis. 30/7/2016. Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

10. Jesus wants truly consecrated hearts that live by His forgiveness and share it compassionately with their brothers and sisters.

11. Jesus seeks hearts that are open and tender toward the weak; hearts that are not hard, but docile and transparent.

12. We have come into the world in order to leave a mark.

13. God is inviting you to dream: He wants to show you that you can make a world a different place.

14. Jesus is calling you to leave your mark on life: one that transforms your own life and the lives of others.

15. God loves us as we are: no sin, fault, or mistake can make Him change His mind.

16. God counts on you for who you are, not for what you have. You are valuable in His eyes and your value is priceless.

17. Jesus speaks to you every day. Let His Gospel become yours and let Him be your "navigator" on life's journey!

18. A huge "thank you", dear young people! St John Paul II rejoiced in Heaven, and will help you bring the joy of the Gospel wherever you go.

I can't wait until World Youth Day 2019 in Panama!