Pope to youth: only ways to transform the world is to live the faith and imitate the saints
Catholic Online NewsInternational News Story
Pope, in spotlight, outlines priorities, style of emerging papacy
By John Thavis
8/22/2005
COLOGNE, Germany (CNS) -- On a trip he inherited from his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI stepped into the world spotlight and outlined the priorities and the style of his emerging papacy.
To young people gathered for World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, the pope brought an intensely spiritual message during his Aug. 18-21 visit, telling them that living their faith and imitating the saints were the only ways to transform the world.
That seemed to make a connection with many young people in Cologne. In the words of one young U.S. pilgrim, youths came for religious inspiration, and they got it.
To bishops in his native country, where secularism has put down deep roots, he called for new efforts to stem the decline in church influence, but said it must be done without "watering down" the Gospel. That was a point he echoed in remarks to civil authorities, reminding them that Germany, in the heart of Europe, remained "indelibly" marked by Christian traditions that are still valid today. The pope's comments underscored what is shaping up as a primary goal of his papacy, re-evangelizing Europe.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 9:40 AM
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