"Thanks to this electronic device, I signed up as a simple pilgrim," Francis said, declaring himself the first person registered for next edition of the Youth Day celebration while flanked by two Polish youths.
The next edition of the global meeting of Catholic youths will be held next July in Krakow, Poland. It was most recently organised in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, shortly after Francis' election as pope.
In Krakow, an electronic clock was installed on the Renaissance Holy Mary Basilica to count the days remaining until the event, initiated by Polish-born St. John Paul II. The late pontiff's secretary, Card. Stanislaw Dziwisz, celebrated a Mass to draw attention to the youth festival, while Krakow residents danced a traditional Polonaise dance in the vast Market Square in a gesture of invitation.
Before digitally signing up for the event followed, the Pope appealed for the release of Italian Jesuit priest Paola Dall'Oglio, who was kidnapped in Syria two years ago.
In addition to calling for Dall'Oglio's liberation, Francis called for "renewed engagement by local and international authorities" to secure the release of all hostages being held.
Next year's event will be the 31st edition of World Youth day which was instigated in Rome in 1986 by Pope John Paul II, the first Polish pontiff who also served as Archbishop of Krakow.
It has since been held in countries on four continents.
Written with agency inputs.
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