​

Born from the desire of the Holy Father, who inaugurated it on March 13, 1983, it is the "Pope's Center" for all young people: a place of welcome and prayer, home of the Youth Cross, a reference point for young pilgrims in Rome, a place of formation, and a privileged center for the preparation of the World Youth Days (WYD).

​

Located in the heart of the "Eternal City," just a stone's throw from St. Peter's, it is a place of welcome and gathering where young people from different languages and nationalities can meet.

​

Through moments of prayer, sharing, testimony, and celebration, it is the place where we can get to know the life of the Church more closely, meet the people who work directly in the Vatican, exchange ideas, and feel like part of a family.

​

Since its foundation, Saint John Paul II desired that the Center be a "workshop for the formation of true Christian youth," a "laboratory of faith," and it is in the presence of the "Youth Cross" that one can live the experience of the WYD every day.

​

“You are the future of the world, the hope of the Church. You are my hope."

 

With these words, Saint John Paul II always emphasized, from the beginning of his Papacy, his love for the youth.

​

The San Lorenzo Center wants to bear witness to this love and trust through its many activities.