Today marks the 30th anniversary of World Youth Day Denver and Pope St. John Paul II’s historic visit. Over the next five days, we will publish a series of short articles, photos and other memories offering a day-by-day look at the event that changed the Archdiocese of Denver forever.
It was 30 years ago today that pilgrims from all around the world began to arrive at Stapleton Airport for World Youth Day with Pope St. John Paul II. Although much excitement filled the crisp Colorado air, nobody could have predicted the spiritual impact the event would have on the Archdiocese of Denver and beyond. Pilgrims gathered in Civic Center Park for the opening Mass celebrated by then-Archbishop James Francis Stafford and prepared to welcome the Holy Father to the Rocky Mountains the following day.
1 of 9
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register
File Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register