The March 31-April 4 meeting in Rocca di Papa, near Rome, will gather 300 young people ages 20 to 26, who are involved in the life of the Church and universities.
The forum is convoked by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, with the theme «Youth and University: Witnessing to Christ in the University World.»
On Thursday, April 1, John Paul II will meet with the forum participants and the youth of Rome in St. Peter’s Square as they prepare for the Rome diocesan celebration of the 19th World Youth Day, which will take place three days later, on Palm Sunday.
The 8th International Youth Forum will be focused on only one issue and will acquire a «formative dimension,» the Pontifical Council for the Laity said in a statement. The forum will include conferences to stimulate reflection, time for interaction and exchanges, working sessions and round-table discussions.
