“Over 1,707 Swiss youth will participate in World Youth Day at Cologne from 16 to 21 August”, reports Mario Galgano, press officer of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference. He further explains that of these “877 come from the French canton, 470 from the German, and 360 from the (Italian-speaking) area of Tessin”. “A month before the event says the press release 370,000 enrolments have been received by the organizers. Moreover, some 800,000 youth between the ages of 16 and 30 are expected for the most important days of the event, especially the meeting of Benedict XVI with youth and the celebration presided over by the Pope on 21 August”. Meanwhile, the German organizing Committee has reported that those enrolled in the so-called days of meeting, i.e. the twinning arrangements with German dioceses (11-15 August), are roughly 120,000 coming from 162 countries, including Saudi Arabia, China, Honduras and New Zealand. The “Day of Social Commitment” is planned for 12 August. It involves the realization of some 600 social projects in various localities. Some 200,000 German volunteers will provide their services during the days of WYD itself.
