Pope tells university students God will show them the right path

Published: 2003-12-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II told university students that if they trust in God and turn to him in prayer, they can be assured he will show them the right path for their lives. During a Dec. 11 Mass in preparation for Christmas, the pope focused on a verse from the Book of Isaiah, in which God tells his people, "Fear not; I will help you." God's promise to be near and assist each person was fulfilled with the birth of Christ, the pope said. "In him, God became one of us. This is why we do not have to be afraid." The 83-year-old pope sat facing the altar during the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, leading some of the prayers, but allowing Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar for Rome, to be the main celebrant. Joining Rome university students for the annual Advent Mass were delegates from dozens of universities throughout Europe.

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