Madrid, Spain, Feb 10, 2011 / 12:58 pm
World Youth Day 2011 organizers have published Pope Benedict XVI’s complete schedule of activities for the multi-day event, which will take place Aug. 18-21 in Madrid, Spain.
World Youth Day Madrid will kick off with a welcoming ceremony for the Pope in Cibeles Square. He will also visit the San Jose Institute Foundation, operated by the Brothers of St. John of God. The organization has provided care for the mentally and physically disabled since 1899.
On Aug. 19, Benedict XVI will meet with young university professors in the city's basilica. Carla Diez de Rivera, director of the Department of Culture for World Youth Day, said, “This meeting demonstrates the Pope’s predilection for universities and the world of culture.”
The Pope’s other activities will include a vigil with young people on Aug. 20 and a closing Mass on Aug. 21 at the Cuatro Vientos Airfield. The airfield is where John Paul II met with thousands of young people during his last trip to Spain.
Below is Benedict XVI's complete schedule for World Youth Day 2011:
Thursday, Aug. 18:
12:00 p.m. Arrival of Pope Benedict at Barajas Airport in Madrid and welcoming ceremony
12:40 p.m. Motorcade through Madrid, arrival at nunciature
7:00 p.m. At Independence Square, Benedict XVI will walk under the Alcala Gate with young people from five continents. Afterward he will travel to Cibeles Square for a welcoming ceremony with the youth.
Friday, Aug. 19
11:30 a.m. Pope Benedict XVI will meet with young religious women at the Royal Patio at El Escorial Monastery. He will then meet with young university professors at the basilica.
7:30 p.m. Way of the Cross at Cibeles Square.
Saturday, Aug. 20
10:00 a.m. Mass with seminarians at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Almudena
7:40 p.m. Visit to the San Jose Institute Foundation for the disabled, operated by the Order of St. John of God.
8:30 p.m. Vigil with young people at the Cuatro Vientos Airfield
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Sunday, Aug. 21
9:00 a.m. Arrival at Cuatro Vientos Airfield and popemobile ride through crowd
9:30 a.m. Closing Mass for World Youth Day
5:30 p.m. Meeting with event volunteers
6:30 p.m. Departure ceremony at Barajas Airport