After holding two international youth meetings in Rome in 1984 and 1985, Pope John Paul II announced the institution of World Youth Day (WYD), an annual invitation to youth from around the world to gather in prayer for peace and reconciliation. The first World Youth Day was celebrated at a diocesan level in 1986, with the first International celebration held the following year. Even though the international gatherings happen about every two years, WYD itself is celebrated each year (in the individual diocese).

Compiled by Fr. Gary Coulter