It was the Holy Year of the Redemption (1983-1984). Pope John Paul II felt that there should be a cross - the
symbol of our faith - near the main altar in Saint Peter's Basilica where it could be seen by everyone.
A large wooden Cross, 3.8 meters high, was placed there according to the Holy Father's desire. At the end
of the Holy Year, after the Pope had closed the Holy Door, he entrusted that Cross to the youth of the world,
represented by the young people from the San Lorenzo Youth Centre in Rome. His words on that occasion were:
Learn About the 2022 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal
It was the Holy Year of the Redemption (1983-1984). Pope John Paul II felt that there
should be a cross - the symbol of our faith - near the main altar in Saint Peter's Basilica
where it could be seen by everyone. A large wooden Cross, 3.8 meters high, was placed
there according to the Holy Father's desire. At the end of the Holy Year, after the Pope had
closed the Holy Door, he entrusted that Cross to the youth of the world, represented by the
young people from the San Lorenzo Youth Centre in Rome. His words on that occasion
were:
- San Lorenzo Youth Centre (Rome, 22 April 1984)