Young people should discover harmony between faith, life, pope says

Published: 2004-06-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Young people should discover the harmony between faith and life in order to be ready to fulfill God's plan with joy, Pope John Paul II said at his weekly general audience. In his June 9 address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pope reflected on his June 5-6 visit to Switzerland. He said he encouraged young people there to answer God's call with enthusiasm. "This message, which is very dear to me, can be summed up in three words: 'rise,' 'listen,' and 'follow him.' It is Christ himself, risen and alive, who offers these words to every young man and woman of our time," he said. Following Christ "gives full meaning to one's life," he said. "Only Christ, redeemer of mankind, can help young people 'rise again' from negative experiences and mentalities in order to grow to their full human, spiritual and moral stature," he said. The pope extended this message to all young people around the world.

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