In pics: World Youth Day starts off in Panama

International World Youth Day begins in Panama

The 15th international World Youth Day began in Panama on January 22.

The World Youth Day is a gathering of Catholic Youth, which takes place after every two or three years.

The first international gathering was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1987.

(Photograph:Reuters)

Arrival of Pope Francis

This is Pope Francis' first trip to Panama City.

He will be joining around 150,000 young people from 155 countries during the 15th World Youth Day in Panama, which will end on January 27.

(Photograph:Reuters)

Held for the first time in Central America

The World Youth Day is being held in Central America for the first time in history.

About 12,000 people from the United States are expected to attend, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

(Photograph:Reuters)

Confessions of the Pilgrims

Pilgrims also make confession during the World Youth Days in Panama city at Youth Park on the arrival of Pope Francis.

Panama is a small Central American nation of about 4 million people. Overall, the country is about 85% Catholic.

(Photograph:Reuters)