Pope rallies young Catholics in celebration of 25th World Youth Day

March 29, 2010

Presiding at a Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, and observing the 25th World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI told the largely youthful congregation that "to be Christian means to believe that the way of Jesus Christ is the right way to be human."

In a homily directed mostly at young people, the Holy Father reflected that life is "a pilgrimage, a journey with Jesus Christ." The goal of Christian life is to walk with Christ, to be led to the heights, and humbly to accept guidance and correction through the sacraments on the way.

In a statement that many journalists saw as an indirection reference to the intense media criticism of his leadership, Pope Benedict told the young people that Christian faith should steel them against the threat of becoming unpopular. He said: "From God comes the courage not to be intimidated by petty gossip."

In his Angelus audience after the Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Benedict recalled the institution of World Youth Days by his predecessor John Paul II, and exhorted the young crowd "to bear witness, with the mild but luminous power of truth."

 

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Further information:

• To Be Christian Means to Walk with Christ (VIS)
• Angelus: 25 Years since Foundation of World Youth Days (VIS)