New poll shows young people believe World Youth Day changes lives

Madrid, Spain, Jul 14, 2011 / 16:15 pm

A recent study in Spain showed that nine out of every ten young people who participate in a World Youth Day believe the event “is an experience that changes lives.”

The results of the poll were published July 11 by WYD 2011 organizers and features responses from 1,800 young people under the age of 30 from all five continents who are following the event.

Analysis showed that 92 percent of respondents said the main reason for attending a WYD is to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Ninety-three percent of young people said they're attending to have a new experience with 90 percent saying their attendance will express their commitment to the Church. Eighty-eight percent said it was to be with other people who think like them.

The poll also showed that one out of every four young people interviewed has already attended a WYD. Of these, 61 percent attended WYD in Cologne, Germany, in 2005. Forty-four percent attended WYD in Sydney in 2008. Eighty percent of those who attended both events said the experience was very positive.

Results of the study also showed that young people believe faith in Christ is very positive for forgiving others (85 percent), for showing solidarity (80 percent), for maturing and becoming a better person (79 percent), for accepting suffering and being happy (75 percent) and for having clarity in one’s beliefs (67 percent).