World Youth Day is a global event that brings together millions of young people for a week of prayer, joy, and adventure. But what goes into the planning and execution of such a massive event? In this interview with Santiago de la Cierva, the head of communications for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, we get an inside look at the process and the challenges involved. From Pope Benedict’s call for a personal encounter with Christ to the emphasis on sacraments and individual connections, Santiago shares his insights on what makes World Youth Day such a transformative experience for young people. He also looks ahead to the upcoming event in Lisbon and the new challenges facing young people today.