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Overview of WYD
Since 1984, Pope John Paul II has been gathering young people from all over the world. The history of attendance at previous World Youth Days (at the closing mass with the Pope) is as follows:
| YEAR | LOCATION | USA ATTENDANCE | TOTAL ATTENDANCE |
| 1984/5 | Rome, Italy | Not known | Two gatherings of 300,000 each |
| 1987 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Not known | 900,000 |
| 1989 | Santiago de Compostela, Spain | Not known | 400,000 |
| 1991 | Czestochowa, Poland | Not known | 1,600,000 |
| 1993 | Denver, USA | 180,000 | 500,000 |
| 1995 | Manila, Philippines | 1,000 | 4,000,000 |
| 1997 | Paris, France | 13,000 | 1,200,000 |
| 2000 | Rome, Italy | 20,000 | 2,000,000 |
| 2002 | Toronto, Canada | 57,000 | 800,000 |
| 2005 | Cologne, Germany | 25,000 | 1,000,000 |
| 2008 | Sydney, Australia | 18,000 | 223,000 |
| 2011 | Madrid, Spain |
Even though the international World Youth Day gatherings happen about every 2-3 years, World Youth Day itself is celebrated each year. Some of the 'total attendance" numbers above reflect the total population at the closing Mass which includes many locals who attended only that one event.
World Youth Day Typical Schedule of Events
Morning
Afternoon
EveningDay of Welcoming
Arrival and Welcome
Opening ceremonyCatechetical Session w/ participating bishops
afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunitiesCatechetical Session w/ participating bishops
afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunitiesCatechetical Session w/ participating bishops
afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities
Stations of the CrossPilgrimage to Vigil Site
Vigil Celebration & sleep over
Closing Liturgy w/ Holy Father