Address of Pope Benedict XVI to the Children of Italian Catholic Action

(December 20, 2008) Many say that children are diligent; they are never satisfied with small things, moving from one thing to another that will make them happy, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was speaking to the children of Italian catholic Action in Rome on the 20^th of December as they came to greet him at Christmas time. He called them to be close to Jesus and make him their friend as and when they play and go to school, when they are at home with their parents, grandparents, the brothers and sisters and when we go out with friends. The asked them to speak to Jesus: “We need only you particularly when we pray, because you always hear our prayers, we do so that the world becomes more beautiful and better for everyone. We need only you because you forgive us when we do wrong and we need only you, because if we are lost we come to you and you take us in your arms as you did with the sheep that was lost.” The Pope then invited them to help their companions to be close to Jesus for he wanted them to have a heart attentive to others. He added to say: “You have many teachers who help you live together, to pray and grow in knowledge of the Gospel. The Catholic Action aims to help you become holy, because it helps you meet Jesus, to love his Church and show interest to the problems of the world.” It is necessary to live in peace particularly at this season of Peace. The Holy Father then expressed his joy at their presence at Christmas and asked them to pray for him to carry on the difficult task that the Lord has entrusted to him. The Pope then concluded wishing them and their families Merry Christmas