What are the World Youth Days? The first World Youth Day (WYD) took place in Rome on Palm Sunday 1986 at the initiative of Pope John Paul II.  Since then there have been annual meetings of the Roman Pontiff with the youth of the world. These have generally alternated between Rome and another host city.  Locations outside of Rome have included Paris, Denver, Manila,Toronto and Cologne.  Next it will be the turn of the city of Sydney. The aim of the WYD is to make the person of Jesus Christ the centre of the faith and life of every young person so that He may be their constant source of reference. The WYD offers a young person a vivid experience of faith and communion which will help then face the profound questions of life and to take their place in society with confidence and responsibility.