Pope Benedict XVI hears confession and leads adoration

August 20 – Pope Benedict XVI has frequently extolled the need for young people to participate often in the sacrament of reconciliation. This morning he will hear the confession of three young people participating in World Youth Day then lead Eucharistic adoration.

As part of the Festival of Forgiveness happening in Retiro Park, three French speaking youth who have been volunteering with WYD will celebrate the sacrament with the Holy Father. From Retiro Park the pope will be taken to Madrid's Our Lady of Almudena Cathedral where he will celebrate Mass with seminarians. 

Pope Benedict will have time to rest before the day's main event, the prayer vigil at Cuatro Vientos air base. One and a half million people are expected to participate in the prayer vigil. Pilgrims and other participants are being advised to arrive as early at 5pm for the 10pm service. On his way to the airbase there will be one stop at St. Joseph Center, a center run by the Hospitaller brother of St. John of God for the mentally and physically handicapped.