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World Youth Day draws Catholics to Madrid

Youngsters pour into Madrid for a rock-festival-style celebration, drawing faithful from 193 nations but also criticism in the midst of Spain’s economic hardship.

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Aug. 19, 2011

Crowds cheer for Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival at Plaza de Cibeles during World Youth Day 2011 celebrations in Madrid. Initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day offers youth-oriented events celebrating the Catholic faith. It is held every three years in a different country. This time it’s being held in Spain’s capital city of Madrid from Aug. 16 to Aug. 21.

Denis Doyle / Getty Images

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