Did Krakow’s World Youth Day go well? “But of course!” Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz has no doubts about the successful outcome of the global event that, from July 26-31 brought almost two million young people from all over the world to John Paul II’s land.
In fact, thinking of Pope Wojtyla, whom he served for more than 20 years as private secretary, the Archbishop of Krakow confided to ZENIT: “John Paul II would certainly have been pleased with this WYD,” which some have also described as the “WYD of two Popes,” given the strong recall of the Polish Pontiff.
“The most beautiful pastoral initiative of Saint John Paul II was in fact the World Youth Day,” said Cardinal Dziwisz. “Young people of every country spend these days pilgrimaging in the faith, preaching and listening to the Gospel and enjoying themselves together.”
“An event like the WYD is a fantastic type of pastoral <care> for the young people of the world. And, at the same time, it is also a sort of New Evangelization that young people carry out for all the others,” he explained. “They give a sign; they gave a sign in these days at Krakow and, as the Holy Father Francis said, they are an example to the Church and to the world,” he added.
In particular, the Cardinal said he was struck by the “multitude of people” that took part in the different events with the Pope, adding that he was “enchanted by the attention with which the young people listened to the Holy Father’s words. It’s not taken for granted …”
Then prayer: “the young people never tired of praying, as seen in the Adoration,” he said.
Positive also, according to the Cardinal, was “the organization and security” guaranteed by Poland, despite the fact that there were difficulties in transport and some controls of the police were somewhat excessive. All together, “What to say? It went truly well,” affirmed Cardinal Dziwisz, who with this 31st World Youth Day saw a dream of his and of the Holy Polish Pope realized.
“Let’s hope it continues forever,” is his wish. And we hope that “for Poland such an event will be able to generate fruits such as deepening of faith, of spirituality and of union in face of the temptation to be divided, which always exists. Instead, the WYD showed the beauty of being united.”
[From our envoy to Krakow]
