(ANSA) - KRAKOW - More than 1,000 volunteers, both ''long-term'' and ''last minute'' ones, are working to to accommodate from 2 to 3 million pilgrims, starting from those who will travel across the dioceses and stay in families. Everyone is working hard, ahead of World Youth Day Krakow 2016, which will culminate during the five days from 20 to 25 July, with the arrival of Pope Francis and the Holy Mass in ''Field of Mercy''. In the center dedicated to St. John Paul II, in the heart of the Polish town, the ''headquarters'' of WYD Krakow 2016 were set up. About 54 international volunteers have picked up the baton from the organization of Rio 2013. They are all very young, no more than 34-35 yo. Their work involves contacts with the parishes - that will provide facilities or homes for youth -, taking into account the pilgrims' needs. At least 600,000 people from 180 countries have registered on WYD Krakow 2016 official website. The Poles are the most numerous, followed by Italians, but there are many even from the US. There are groups of Christians from Iraq (250 people) and from neighbouring European countries, such as Ukraine. The operation ''A ticket to your brother'' was set up in order to help those who cannot even afford to come to Krakow. Among the other activities, communication, through the official website, in nine languages, the social networks and a dedicated Youtube channel and a weekly newsletter, ''WYD in a minute''. In some towns, where everyday life goes on seemingly quiet, vigils of prayer and catechesis have already begun for spiritual preparation before WYD, with huge participation; even those who are willing to accomodate pilgrims are following courses to learn the languages spoken by their future guests.

(ANSA).