Pope Benedict Greets Catholic Youth

(20 Dec 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI today exchanged Christmas greetings with a group of youngsters from Italy’s Catholic Action organization.

Sean-Patrick Lovett reports…

Azione Cattolica Ragazzi, or ACR, was founded in 1969 as a part of the larger Catholic Action banner in Italy.


ACR’s membership is open to children and adolescents from 4 to 14 years of age, and the organization coordinates operations at the parish, diocesan and national levels.


Beginning with the Pontificate of Paul VI, a group of ACR members has come to visit the Holy Father at Christmas to share greetings and best wishes.


This year, as in years past, Pope Benedict spoke a few words of greeting to dozens of youngsters gathered in the Concistory Hall.


The Pope said he was very happy to see them once again, and thanked the young people for bringing their cheer to the Apostolic Palace, in which, he said, it is always a joy to serve the Lord.


Pope Benedict challenged his young guests to help their companions find their way to friendship with Christ, as they have.


The Pope said ACR boys and girls love to bring their friends along when they go to visit the Lord, because they want to introduce them to Him. ACR boys and girls, said Pope Benedict, do nbot think only of themselves. They have big hearts, and are always mindful of others.


The Holy Father asked the youngsters to pray for him, and assured them of his prayerful affection, before wishing a Merry Christmas to one and all.