Take up John Paul's legacy and commit yourselves to serve Christ

18 August, 2005
GERMANY – WYD
Pope: Take up John Paul's legacy and commit yourselves to serve Christ Benedict XVI succeeds Pope John Paul II as young people’s guide. He reserves special greetings for the youth of Asia.

Cologne (AsiaNews) - In his first speech to the youth gathered for World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI called on them to make a radical commitment to Christ and announce Him to the whole world, pledging that only in His face can true happiness be found.

Sitting on the bridge of a big boat at berth on the Poller Rheinwiesen dock, Benedict XVI met young people representing the four corners of the earth, dressed in their traditional national costumes.

Smiling, he greeted each one of them, exchanging a few words and shaking hands. Some of them patted him as if he were family.

Formal greetings by some of young people and Card Karl Lehmann, chairman of the Bishops' Conference of Germany, were followed by the staged reading of the Gospel of Matthew telling the story of the arrival of the Magi - "Where is the King of the Jews Who has been born" was read in several languages by several young people.

A priest then asked the hundreds of thousands of youths gathered on the left bank of the Rhine River cheering and waving multicolour flags for quiet so that the Pontiff could speak.

In his speech, Benedict XVI took up the legacy bequeathed by Pope John Paul II and called on youth to carry that same legacy but in a commitment that was less sentimental and more focused on faith and mission.

"That great Pope understood the challenges faced by young people today," Benedict XVI said, "and, as a sign of his trust in them, he did not hesitate to spur them on to be courageous heralds of the Gospel and intrepid builders of the civilization of truth, love and peace."

In his greetings, the Holy Father singled out the youth of Asia, both Christian and non Christian.

"My particular greeting goes to those who, like the Magi, have come from the East. You are the representatives of so many of our brothers and sisters who are waiting, without realizing it, for the star to rise in their skies and lead them to Christ, Light of the Nations, in whom they will find the fullest response to their hearts’ deepest desires. I also greet with affection those among you who have not been baptized, and those of you who do not yet know Christ or have not yet found a home in his Church."

He told the crowd that "these days I encourage you to commit yourselves without reserve to serving Christ, whatever the cost."

The Pope's boat was escorted by five ships to represent the five continents and the universal mission of the "barque of St Peter".

The Cross of World Youth Day was on the Pope's boat. It was repaired after a gust of wind broke it.

Here is the Pope's speech at the welcoming ceremony. His speech was delivered in different languages as the text indicates: http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=3934