Kraków looked different on the days 26-31. Lots of young were occupying the whole city and the outskirts. There were more than 356 thousands of registered pilgrims, but with those who came individually or attended particular events the WYD counted much more participants. On these days Kraków was a place for those who like meeting people and fell well multicultural environment. The groups of young people from all over the world were loud and visible. It was expected that they would be such and they were encouraged to this. Also Pope Francis, when blessing them from the window of his residence in Kraków on the first tevening said: "Go and make a mess". And they did…
There were a lot of concerts, street performances exhibitions and other religious or cultural events that could be attractive for young (and no-so-young) people. There were places where for fun, praying and learning. Certainly all the pilgrims wanted to attend the places where Pope Francis appeared. For obvious reasons, only a part of them could see him during the worships and homilies, but all of them could heard his words and all of them were creating that unique atmosphere of togetherness. Also many people had a chance of seeing and greeting him when he was travelling from places to place. He was also greeting the people from Papa Mobile, tram (Papa Tram) or that, navy-blue inconspicuous Golf he tends to travel around Vatican.
YMCA was not represented as a separate group of pilgrims – many YMCA members came with the delegations of their local congregations. However, the association was present in other ways: the YMCA of Kraków contributed to the event: groups of young pilgrims from various countries of the world found food and shelter in the YMCA building, which is situated in the city centre. On the wall could be watched a small exhibition about cardinal Bergoglio and his meetings with YMCA. Also the local YMCA staff and volunteers helped the guest in moving around the city and made them feel at home – in spite of very basic condition that could be offered the guest were cheerful, friendly, happy.
The YMCA of Argentina was present in the WYD. That was meaningful because Argentina is the country of origin of Pope Francis. Moreover, as cardinal Bergoglio, he had good and direct relationships with YMCA. The YMCA of Argentina was represented by Franco Ibarrola, a 17 years old YMCA leader from Buenos Aires. For him that was an important part of his big European advantage. Two previous weeks he spent in Spain at one of the YMCA camps. Hopefully, Franco has take good memories from Europe and this travel will have a good influence on his future life.
Pope encouraged young people to be active, to take risk, not to be "young coach-potatoes". This is a message that can be very well addressed to an organisation as YMCA.
