Pope Francis offers you an indulgence for World Youth Day

Pope Francis is asking the world to pray for the success of World Youth Day and to motivate the faithful, has authorized an indulgence for those who follow the events with the proper spirit of prayer and devotion.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - World Youth Day events are scheduled to run from July 23-28 in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. Pope Francis arrives on July 22.

The events include daily masses and rallies, as well as speeches from leading Church figures and the Holy Father himself. Pope Francis has said he intends to visit the poor in Rio de Janeiro during his visit.

For those participating in the event, approaching it with the proper spirit of prayer and devotion should be easier as the faithful, comprised mostly of youth, spend their time surrounded by other faithful followers and the message of the Church. These individuals will receive an indulgence.

Additionally, Pope Francis has said that those who are "legitimately prevented" from attending the event will also receive the indulgence if they too follow the event with the proper spirit of prayer and devotion.

He did not spell out precisely what those requirements were.

However, a reasonable interpretation would suggest it means more than just reading or viewing news updates and saying a simple prayer. Instead, expectant devotees should strive to view the masses, speeches, and to fully receive the message sent by the Church to the world's youth. In addition to this message, prayers and attendance at local Mass is reasonably expected.

Confession should be part of the plan. Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro, the head of the Vatican office that handles indulgences, has asked priests around the world to make themselves available for confessions during this time.

Priests will also encourage public prayers during this time.

The Holy Father himself will hear confessions of some of the attending youth on July 26.

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