Pope Welcomes Young People’s ‘Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth’

December 29, 2012: A tireless witness to the Gospel of peace and reconciliation, ardently committed to an ecumenism of holiness, Brother Roger encouraged all those who passed through Taizé to become seekers of communion. We should listen in our hearts to his spiritually lived ecumenism, and let ourselves be guided by his witness towards an ecumenism which is truly interiorized and spiritualized, said Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday evening. He was addressing an estimated 40,000 young people from across Europe who have converged in Rome, for 6 days of prayer, reflection and life with parishes, families and religious communities in what is described as their annual "pilgrimage of trust on earth."

The 35^th European meeting of young people is being organized from December 28 to January 2 by the Taize Ecumenical Community, an ecumenical monastic order based in Taizé, France, composed of Protestant and Catholic monks, who are committed to peace and justice through prayer and meditation.

Welcoming them to Rome, the Pontiff said that the holy Apostles Peter and Paul shed their blood for Christ here. The faith that motivated these two great apostles of Jesus is also the one that put you on the road.

Recalling the words of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict said that "The Pope feels deeply involved with you on this pilgrimage of trust on earth ... I am also called to be a pilgrim of faith in the name of Christ."

Capturing the spirit of Taize community, and that of Brother Roger who started it over 70 years ago, Pope Benedict said “I assure you of the irrevocable commitment of the Catholic Church to continue seeking the paths of reconciliation leading to the visible unity of Christians.”

Talking to the youth, Pope Benedict XVI said: Sometimes the evil and suffering of the innocent can create doubt and confusion in you. And yes to Christ can become difficult. But this certainly does not make you non-believers! Jesus did not reject the man in the Gospel who shouted: "I believe, help my unbelief".

Referring to their prayers, the Pope said: with silence, the song has an important place in your community prayers. The songs of Taizé fill in these days the basilicas of Rome. The song is a support and incomparable expression of prayer. Singing in Christ, you open yourselves to the mystery of his hope. Do not be afraid to precede the dawn in praise to God. With your faith, you will contribute to the establishment of the trust on earth, the Pontiff added.