VATICAN: POPE: WYD INDULGENCE GRANTED ALSO FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR PILGRIMS

RADIO VATICANA REPORT: In the host diocese, Madrid, and in dioceses all across Spain today, the official final period of preparation for the upcoming World Youth Day got under way with Masses, catecheses and Eucharistic adoration among the many elements available to the faithful.

Here in Rome, the Major Penitentiary of Holy Church issued a decree of indulgence for those who will take part in World Youth Day events. A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who shall participate with devotion in any sacred function or pious exercise taking place in Madrid during the XXVI World Youth Day and in its solemn conclusion, on condition that they receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, being truly penitent and confessing their sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, wherever they might be during the aforementioned gathering, with contrite heart, pray to God the Holy Spirit, that He might incite young people to charity and infuse them with vigour for the proclamation of the Gospel with their lives.

The Latin Decree goes on to request that priests with the proper faculties offer themselves as confessors for any and all penitent faithful who might seek to avail themselves of the sacrament before and during the course of World Youth Day events, and propose to the faithful that they offer prayers for the success of the same. World Youth Day Madrid 2011 officially begins on Tuesday, August 16^th, and concludes with Mass to be celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday August 21^{st. SOURCE RADIO VATICANA}