The next World Meeting of Families, which will take place in July of 2006, “is the most important gathering in the history of the city of Valencia,” said city official Francisco Camps.

The Foundation of the Community of Valencia will be charged with coordinating the event. 

In setting up the Foundation, the Archbishop of Valencia defended “the family built on marriage as the reference point in society of a plan that guarantees a life of liberty, justice, truth and love.”

The place chosen for the event as well the time of year will enable the largest number of people possible to participate in the event.  Participants will also be able to enjoy the festivities in the community associated with the beginning of summer.

The World Meeting of Families is an event started by Pope John Paul II in 1994 and has taken place twice in Rome (1994 and 2000) and once in Rio de Janeiro (1997) and Manila (2003).