World Youth Day 2019 – Panama

During the “Renew Me” experience, pilgrims were guided through a journey of reflection, confession and celebration.

While hundreds of vendors sold water to the thirsty, the Muslim community at the oldest mosque in Panama City gave it away for free near a banner that said, “Welcome Pilgrim Friends.”

Speaking to young detainees at a penitential liturgy in Las Garzas de Pacora Juvenile Detention Center in Panama Jan. 25, the pope said society creates “an adjective culture” that prefers to immediately label people as good or bad rather than truly getting to know them.

As Pope Francis was arriving in Panama Jan. 23, bishops from the United States wasted no time addressing the sex abuse scandal back home during a popular event aimed at American and other English-speaking World Youth Day pilgrims.

As World Youth Day in Panama draws near, organizers said they are prepared to make young people from around the globe feel right at home.

When Pope Francis visits Panama for World Youth Day in January, he will meet with young people not able to attend the festivities: some in jail and with some living with HIV.

The logo design by Amber Calvo, 20, a Panamanian student studying architecture, was chosen from 103 entries submitted to promote World Youth Day 2019.

The 2018 Synod of Bishops on youths and the celebration of World Youth Day 2019 in Panama, will be a synod “with young people” and one that helps them better express and share their faith. The theme will be “Young people, faith and vocational discernment.”