April 20, 2011. (Romereports.com) The Pope greeted ten representatives from the 3,500 youth of the 2011 UNIV Congress. As a gift they brought a book with messages of thanks to John Paul II and a large basket of sweets.

Benedict XVI
“I greet the participants from the UNIV international meeting, sponsored by the Prelature of Opus Dei. Dear friends, I hope these days in Rome are an opportunity to rediscover the person of Christ and to live a strong spiritual experience and so that you return home with the desire to witness the heavenly Father's mercy.”

For 42 years, the Univ Forum has met every Easter in Rome with thousands of students from around the world to reflect on current issues. The pope spoke to them about St. Josemaria Escriva, who inspired and encouraged these meetings.

Benedict XVI
“...In this way, throughout your life you will realize the desires of St. Josemaría Escrivá: 'How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: This man reads the life of Jesus Christ.'"

Shortly after the meeting with the pope, the UNIV Forum launched the initiative “Thanks John Paul II,” with a moving video in which young people from every corner of the world gave thanks to Karol Wojtyla for reasons such as providing a miraculous cure or for his defense of women.