YOUTH 2000 is an international spiritual initiative. Begun in 1990, YOUTH 2000 is a response to the challenge of Pope John Paul II given to the young people at World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, to "become shining heralds of the reevangelization and generous architects of the civilization of love." Filled with zeal and eager to commit to the challenge, young people took seriously this call to a decade of evangelization.
At World Youth Day in Rome in 2000, Pope John Paul II once again challenged the young people: "Set the Eucharist at the center of your personal life and community life: love the Eucharist, adore the Eucharist, and celebrate the Eucharist..." At the beginning of the new millennium, YOUTH 2000 continues to accept the challenge of the Holy Father. This exhortation by the Holy Father confirms the goals and mission of YOUTH 2000 to promote a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through love and devotion to the Eucharist, thus drawing young people into the service of the Catholic Church and service to others.