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April 25, 2005
Pope Benedict XVI and Young People
When speaking to a youth group this past weekend, it was quickly apparent that young people are wondering if the new pope will expend the same energies and time on them that Pope John Paul II did. Fortunately, I think Pope Benedict XVI has made it apparent that he will.
Pope Benedict XVI mentioned the youth in the homily during his inaugural mass:
"At this point, my mind goes back to 22 October 1978, when Pope John Paul II began his ministry here in Saint Peter’s Square. His words on that occasion constantly echo in my ears: 'Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!'"The Pope was addressing the mighty, the powerful of this world, who feared that Christ might take away something of their power if they were to let him in, if they were to allow the faith to be free. Yes, he would certainly have taken something away from them: the dominion of corruption, the manipulation of law and the freedom to do as they pleased. But he would not have taken away anything that pertains to human freedom or dignity, or to the building of a just society.
"The Pope was also speaking to everyone,especially the young. Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? And once again the Pope said: No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation.
"And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long personal experience of life, I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. Amen."
What a message for young people! And I think it is especially important that he choose to give this message in his first homily as Pope – this is just one of the signs that this pope will give the youth the same importance in his mind that John Paul the Great did during his pontificate.
One of the centerpieces of Pope John Paul II’s interaction with teens was the World Youth Days that took place all over the globe and brought millions of young people in contact with the pope. Interestingly enough, this year’s World Youth Day is in Cologne, Germany – the home country of our new pope, Benedict XVI. This youth day will feature the Pope, just as the earlier ones did. And this day will be the pope’s first homecoming (I believe), which is likely to make it very special.
Clearly, Pope Benedict XVI sees the youth as the future – and he has witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm the youth has for Truth. Will the Pope take his message to the youth? Without a doubt he will follow in John Paul’s footsteps and engage the youth in order to change the future. Do not be afraid!
God bless,
Jay
Posted by jay at April 25, 2005 7:46 PM
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Comments
The Pope has said some more on this in his speech to German pilgrims after his inauguration ceremony (I'm translating a passage from it here):
"It has become clear that the Church is not closed on herself and not only there for herself, but serves as a light for the people. It has become clear that the Church is not old and immovable. No, she is young! And if we look at the young people who have gathered around the late Pope - and around Christ, in whose place he stood - something equally comforting has become obvious: it is not true that young people only think about consumerism and pleasure. It is not true that they think materialistically and egoistically. Quite the opposite is true: young people want something big. They want to stop injustice. They want to overcome inequality, they want everyone to have their share in the goods of the world. The want the oppressed to become free. They want something big. They want something good. And this is also why young people - that is, you all - have opened up for Christ again."
Posted by: Petra at April 26, 2005 9:59 AM
Thanks for posting this.
You'll also find some other remarks that Pope Benedict made regarding youth at: http://www.youngandcatholic.com.
Posted by: Tim Drake at April 27, 2005 5:03 PM
i thnk the new pope is grand !
Posted by: Anonymous at September 30, 2005 1:10 PM
