On November 26, the Feast of Christ the King, the Church commemorated World Youth Day in the world’s dioceses, as is customary each year; the more well-known international gatherings now take place every four years.
The papal message for the day was entitled “Rejoicing in Hope” (Romans 12:12).
“Today in the particular churches we celebrate the 38th World Youth Day, on the theme ‘Rejoicing in hope,’” Pope Francis said on November 26. “I bless those who are taking part in the initiatives organized in the dioceses, in continuity with the World Youth Day in Lisbon. I embrace young people, the present and future of the world, and I encourage them to be joyful protagonists in the life of the Church.”