Vatican City, 22 April 2016 – More than sixty thousand adolescents from all over the world will be in Rome from 23 to 25 April to participate in the Jubilee for Young Boys and Girls, on the theme "Merciful Like the Father". It will consist of three days of prayer, confession and pilgrimage to the Holy Door, as well as celebration and sharing in the Year of Mercy, according to a press release from the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation, which has also provided a link to assist in preparing for the event: http://www.gmg2016.it/giubileo-dei-ragazzi/sussidio/

On Saturday 23 April, the day will start with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door, beginning with a procession from Castel Sant'Angelo along Via della Conciliazione up to St. Peter's Square. The Bernini Colonnade will thus be transformed into the Father's "embrace" that the young boys and girls may experience with the help of more than 150 priests who will be present continuously, in alternation, from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in various languages.

In the afternoon, following the Jubilee itinerary inside the Basilica, which will conclude with the profession of faith at the Tomb of St. Peter, the young people will transfer to the Olympic Stadium for a large celebration with music and testimonies, beginning at 8.30 p.m., with the participation of personalities from the worlds of cinema, sport and astronomy.

On Sunday 24 April, Holy Mass will be celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, the culmination of this major Jubilee event. The day will continue with a visit to Mercy marquees set up for the occasion of this pilgrimage in seven squares throughout the centre of Rome (San Silvestro, Piazza di Spagna, San Salvatore in Lauro, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Maria in Vallicella-Chiesa Nuova, Piazza Pia in Castel Sant'Angelo, and the area of the Pincio Terrace), in which, from Saturday to Monday, pilgrims and citizens of Rome may hear testimonies of works of spiritual and corporal mercy.