April 6, 2009- Benedict XVI met personally with thousands of young Spaniards who travelled to Rome to receive the World Youth Day Cross for 2011.

Benedict XVI
I greet you with special affection dear young people. By taking the cross you confess your faith in Him, the one who loves you without measure, the Lord Jesus, of whom paschal mystery we will celebrate on these holy days.

The Pope explained the meaning of World Youth Day: “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith."

Benedict XVI
Life is a journey, certainly. But it’s not an uncertain path,  without a fixed destination. Rather, it leads to Christ, the goal of human life and history. Along this road you will reach and encounter with Him, who by giving his life for love, opens for us the doors of eternal life.

During this Easter season, the Pope urged young people to contemplate the mysteries of Christ in his passion, death and resurrection. He explained that it’s in these mysteries that they will find something that surpasses all knowledge and wisdom: the love of God.

When Benedict concluded his speech, he seemed touched to see the audience stand up to cheer and greet him. 

DG