Sydney, Australia, Jul 18, 2008 / 11:41 am
Auxiliary Bishop Juan Antonio Martinez of Madrid, who is in Sydney for World Youth Day 2008, said young people give “great hope for the Church and the world.”
In an interview with CNA following his catechetical session with young people from Chile, Venezuela, Costa Rica and other Hispanic countires, Bishop Martinez said, “Seeing the attitude of the young people who have come and who participate in the Church, we realize that a Catholic youth movement exists that is not confined to one country but is rather present everywhere. They are young people committed to living the Christian life, and therefore there is great hope for the Church and for the world.”
Asked about the possibility of the next World Youth Day taking place in Spain, Bishop Martinez said he was thrilled at the idea. “If the Holy Father makes the announcement, as the rumors indicate, the youth of Spain will welcome it with great enthusiasm as an occasion to evangelize the young people and the society of Spain, which needs it so much.”
He invited young people “to attend the next WYD to meet with the Pope and strengthen their faith and commit themselves decidedly to Jesus Christ and to the good news of salvation.”