(ANSA) - KRAKOW - ''Do not be afraid'': by releasing this historic statement delivered by St. John Paul II, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow, has invited youth to take part the next World Youth Day, scheduled in the Polish city from 20 to 25 July. An invitation addressed to young faithful - at least 2 million from 180 countries will attend the final Mass celebrated by Pope Francis - but also to non-Christians, ''in order to share an experience of peace, celebration, attachment to Christian values, spiritual life''. Meeting in Krakow with a delegation of European journalists, Dziwisz also evoked the memory of the previous World Youth Day held in Poland, which took place in Chestochowa in 1991. ''That day gave youth from eastern and western Europe the opportunity to meet, after so long. It was the first open border between East and West. Now young people from all over the world will have the opportunity to call for peace, which is threatened today. I think it will help us shape a different way of seeing the problems of today's world, from the migrant crisis to the war in the Middle East''. Dziwisz explained that ''Krakow offers not only monuments but also culture and history, while continuing a tradition of holiness. It is not a 'holy city', he added, but it boasts many saints. We hope that the youth will bring here a spark, a fire, which is the value of peace''.

(ANSA).