Organizers of the upcoming World Youth Day in Cologne announced they expect some 16,000 handicapped individuals from various countries to attend the event and participate in the meetings with Pope Benedict XVI.

“All young people should equally participate together in such an important and defining event as World Youth Day,” WYD organizers said, adding that wheel chair ramps have been installed at the various venues, as well as other measures that will enable those who are hearing or visually impaired to fully participate in the meetings scheduled to take place in Cologne.