It’s official: Pope Francis has landed in Krakow, Poland, which means the real festivities for World Youth Day 2016 are only just beginning. Check out this gallery featuring some of the highlights of the week thus far, and be sure to follow Denver Catholic on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates direct from Krakow!
Pope Francis landed in Poland for World Youth Day the morning of July 27. “The moment we have been waiting 3 years for has arrived,” Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz said in his homily during the World Youth Day opening Mass the day earlier. (Photo by L’Osservatore Romano)
Pope Francis waves to journalists and others who were waiting to greet him upon his arrival to Poland. (Photo by Paulina Krzyzak/World Youth Day Krakow 2016 via Flickr)
Pope Francis arrived to the welcoming ceremony of World Youth Day July 28 in the Popemobile and greeted pilgrims from throughout the world who were waiting for him there in Blonia Park. (Photo by Paulina Krzyzak/World Youth Day Krakow 2016 via Flickr)
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila meets with Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow and long-time aide to Pope St. John Paul II. (Photo by T. Warczak)
Thousands of people from throughout the world gather for the opening Mass of World Youth Day on July 26 at Blonia Park in Krakow, Poland.(Photo by Mariusz Cygan/World Youth Day Krakow 2016 via Flickr)
Nationalities from all over the world were in attendance at the opening Mass of World Youth Day. (Photo by Stanislaw Wasiutynski/World Youth Day Krakow 2016 via Flickr)
Colorado pilgrims prepare to celebrate the opening Mass at World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. During his homily, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz urged all of the young people in attendance from throughout the world to take what they gain from World Youth Day and, Carry the good news about Jesus Christ to the world. (Photo by Fabio Beretta/World Youth Day Krakow 2016 via Flickr)
Pilgrims from Our Lady of Valley parish in Windsor were among some of the Colorado pilgrims in attendance at the opening Mass for World Youth Day July 26. (Photo provided)
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila stands with youth representing several different countries following a catechesis session led by him July 27 at World Youth Day. (Photo provided)
Father Ryan O’ Neill, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Denver, visits the Baptismal font in Wadowice where Pope St. John Paul II was baptized. (Photo provided)
Pilgrims from Christ the King parish in Evergreen explore the city of Krakow in Poland. (Photo provided)