The upcoming papal visit to Poland for World Youth Day is "a great gift of the Lord", Pope Francis has said in a video message.
Speaking ahead of his trip to Poland from July 27-31, Pope Francis also described World Youth Day as "a pilgrimage of faith and fraternity".
"Dear young people of Poland, I know that for some time now you have been preparing, especially with your prayers, for this great encounter in Kraków. I thank you heartily for everything that you have done, and for the love with which you have done it. Even now I embrace you and I bless you," the Pope said, according to a translation of his message by Vatican Radio.
