During the welcoming ceremony for the youth, Benedict XVI will pass through the arches of the central Puerta de Alcalá while being accompanied by young people from across the globe.

On Friday the 19th of August, the Pope will travel to the monastery of El Escorial where he will meet with academics and young religious.

Msgr. César Franco
General Coordinator, WYD Madrid 2011
“On Friday morning we plan to meet with young women in the Monastery of El Escorial so that the Pope can address all religious from all congregations and institutes of consecrated life. He'll be able to greet them and have a brief meeting.”

Another first for the Pope will be his presence during the traditional Via Crucis of World Youth Day. It will be held on Friday afternoon and feature important sculptures of the Spanish Holy Week representing scenes from the Passion of Christ.

On Saturday morning the Pope will hold official meetings and speak with seminarians from around the world.

Msgr. César Franco
General Coordinator, WYD Madrid 2011
“In the Almudena Cathedral, the Pope will meet with seminarians from across the world and will have the opportunity, of course, to speak on the vocation of priesthood. We know that the World Youth Days can recruit many youth to the priesthood.”

In the afternoon, the Pope will visit the San Jose Institute Foundation, the center that cares for people with disabilities in the Order of Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God.  After this he will head to the Cuatro Vientos Aerodrome which will host the main events of World Youth Day.
On Sunday May 21, the Pope will conclude the gathering with a Mass and will then announce the next city to host the event.

Before returning to Rome, Benedict XVI will meet with about 20,000 volunteers to thank them for their help and cooperation.

CB/AE
-JM
-BN