Instituted in 1985 at the conclusion of the International Year of Youth and in conjunction with Saint John Paul Il's World Youth Day gatherings, this observance has taken place on Palm Sunday. In 2020 Pope Francis transferred the date to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

"Young people must say to the world: It is good to follow Jesus! You bring us the joy of faith and tell us that we must live the faith always with a young heart."

~Pope Francis

Pope Francis has also released a message emphasizing the importance of hope in dark times and the role of young people as the joyful hope of the Church and humanity: READ HERE.