Pope Francis uses iPad to become first person registered for 2016's World Youth Day

Pope Francis signs up in front of large crowd, after calling for the return of abducted priest.

On Sunday, Pope Francis successfully became the first person registered for the 2016 edition of the World Youth Day, using an iPad. Before registering, he addressed thousands at the St. Peter's Square in an appeal for the release of an Italian Jesuit priest kidnapped in Syria, two years ago.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - "Thanks to this electronic device, I signed up as a simple pilgrim," declaring himself as the first person to complete the registration for the World Youth Day, which will be held in Kraków, Poland, July 25-31 next year.

Last years meeting of Catholic youths from all over the world was held shortly after Francis was elected as Pope in 2013. This will be the 31st WYD; the first was held in Rome and pioneered by Pope John Paul II, the first Polish pontiff and former Archbishop of Krakow.

During the same Mass, the Pope appealed for the release of Fr. Paolo Dall'Oglio, the Italian Jesuit priest abducted 2 years ago in Raqqa, Syria. Fr. Dall'Oglio spent around four decades in Syria before he was driven out of the country over criticism to the Assad regime regarding human rights abuses.

However, he returned to call for peace in Raqqa, which was and is still controlled by the Islamic State.

Pope Francis also mentioned the other men of the cloth reportedly abducted for their contrasting belief with their abductors.

"I cannot forget the orthodox bishops kidnapped in Syria and all other persons who were seized in conflict zones. I hope for a renewed commitment of the competent local and international authorities, so that these brothers will soon be restored to freedom. With affection and participation in their suffering, we want to remember them in prayer," he said, according to reports.

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