Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope sends SMS asking Catholics to pray for French youth

Philippine Daily Inquirer
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 22:42:00 09/09/2008

VATICAN CITY—Pope Benedict XVI sent a text message to the participants of World Youth Day asking them to pray for the young people in France which he will visit shortly, the Vatican said Tuesday in a statement.

World Youth Day took place July 15-21 in Sydney and is organized by the Roman Catholic Church as a meeting place for young Catholics.

"Dear friends, fifty days ago we were together for the celebration of mass. Today I greet you on the birthday of Mary, Mother of the Church. Empowered by the Spirit and courageous like Mary, your pilgrimage of faith fills the Church with life!" the pope wrote in a text message on Monday.

"Soon I am to visit France. I ask you all to join me in praying for the young people of France. May we all be rejuvenated in hope!" the pope said.

Benedict XVI will visit France next week. He will be in Paris from September 12 to September 15, before moving on to Lourdes to mark the 150th anniversary of the "apparitions" of the Virgin Mary.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 1:23 PM