Pilgrims waiting in St. Peter's Square get showered with water as they wait for Pope John Paul II to arrive to officially open the XV World Youth Day August 15, 2000. Over one million youths from 163 countries will participate in the event which runs till August 20. Pope John Paul II will kick-off the official ceremonies later today at St. John Lateran cathedral and later in St. Peter's Square.

PH/JRE