(Vatican Radio) During his remarks to the faithful at the Sunday Angelus address,
Pope Benedict XVI looked forward to the upcoming World Youth Day, which is scheduled
to take place next year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Thanking all the organizers of
the event, called World Youth Day, “A valuable opportunity for many young people to
experience the joy and beauty of belonging to the Church and living the faith.”
The
Holy Father’s words of encouragement for World Youth Day organizers and participants
came after his appeals for reconciliation and lasting peace in both Syria and Iraq
– and before his traditional greetings to pilgrims, which he offered as usual also
in English:
I greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Angelus
prayer. In the Gospel this morning, our Lord miraculously offers food to the crowds,
leaving a sign of God’s immeasurable providence in the Eucharist. Strengthened by
that Sacrifice, may we always work for the spiritual nourishment of our brethren,
not forgetting the poor and needy. God bless you and your loved ones! Listen: