Vatican City, Aug 14, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Presiding at the recitation of the Angelus this Sunday at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI called on the world to pray for the success of World Youth Day. The Pontiff’s reflection during the prayer centered on the testimonies of the various saints and martyrs celebrated in recent days, from St. Lawrence to St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein).
“I invite all of the baptized and, in a special way, the young people who are participating in World Youth Day to look to these brilliant examples of evangelical heroism,” the Pope said.
“Upon them all I invoke the protection of all of these saints, in particular St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who spent several years of her life precisely in the Carmelite convent in Cologne,” he added.
In conclusion, the Pope addressed each of the language groups present, asking for prayers for WYD.
To the English-speaking pilgrims, he said, “I invite you to join me during these days in praying for the success of the coming World Youth Day in Cologne”.