August 21, 2011. (Romereports.com) Nearly two million young people waited for the pope at Madrid's Cuatro Vientos, where Benedict XVI held a prayer vigil during World Youth Day.
The music was played by the Symphonic Orchestra and World Youth Day's Choir. Two young men officially welcomed the pope.
"Holy Father, thank you very much for being with us. Your presence fills us with joy!"
"We want to begin the vigil by embracing the cross of the youth which has gone across Spain.”
Those taking part in the procession carried the World Youth Day Cross and the Icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani, along with the Gospel and candles.
Five young adults addressed the pope by directly asking him questions. In fact, Benedict XVI congratulated them for their courage.
Benedict XVI
“I greet all of you, especially the young people who have asked me their questions and I thank them for the sincerity with which they set forth their concerns.”
A summer storm, interrupted the pope's speech and delayed things for a bit.
The young crowd had to wait a few minutes for the rain to stop. When that happened, the pope thanked the pilgrims for their patience.
Benedict XVI
“Thank you for your joy and resistance. Your strength is stronger than the rain. Thank you. The Lord is sending us his blessings with the rain. With this, you're leading by example.”
The pope then continued the vigil and after a few moments of silence and prayer, he blessed the roughly 2 million youths gathered there.
The pope then prayed for all the youths, entrusting them to the Heart of Jesus with a simple prayer.
The Eucharistic adoration will continue all night in a total of 17 chapels throughout Cuatro Vientos.
The vast majority of young people will spend the night at the aerodrome to save a spot for Sunday's morning Mass, which will end a successful World Youth Day.
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