Who organizes this meeting?

The Pontifical Council for the Family is responsible for the organization of the WMF. In Valencia, the "Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana V Encuentro Mundial de la Familia Valencia 2006" has been constituted for this event. The dioceses of Valencia, as well as other Valencian public authorities, are represented in this foundation.

The World Meeting of the Families is an initiative of John Paul II, who since 1994 has convoked and presided the four Meetings, which took place in Rome, Río de Janeiro, Rome again and Manila. It was in this last meeting that he announced that the next meeting would be celebrated in Valencia in 2006 and encouraged its organization since then.

Will Benedict XVI attend the Meeting?

Even though the Pope's presence hasn't been publicly announced yet (for obvious reasons the Vatican does not make announcements officially public until a few months before the actual event ), Benedict XVI has confirmed the Meeting in Valencia for the first week of July 2006 (1-9 July), with the theme "The transmission of faith in the family."

What is the program for the Meeting?

• International Fair for the Families - 1st to 7th July.
• International Theological and Pastoral Congress - 4th to 7th July.
• Mass for the arrived Families - 7th July.
• Eucharist celebrations for Families on pilgrimage - 8th July.
• Festive and testimonial Meeting - 8th July.
• Concluding Mass presided by the Pope - 9th July.

Can I attend the Meeting if I am not a Catholic?

The Meeting is open for all those who confess with their life that "in order to give a truly human face to society, the peoples must not ignore the precious value of family, founded on the basis of marriage" and that "according to the Divine Plan, marriage and family are irreplaceable and there are no other alternatives" .(Benedict XVI)

What is a local promoter and how can I apply for one?

A local promoter is a person who coordinates a group of participants from their departure in their cities to their return.

They must register and be confirmed to have access to certain information.

Can I co-operate with the 5th WMF in any way? How can I suggest links or contents for this website? May I send a photo of my family or our suggestions?

Of course, you can help us by spreading the contents of this website around. And, if you feel like sending us any suggestion please don't hesitate to do so.

5th WMF Forum