Pope says Bible helps youths through dark times, deceit, false ideas

Published: 2006-02-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Bible should be the constant companion of young people so that it can help them navigate through life's dark moments and past the deceit and erroneous ideas present in today's world, Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for World Youth Day. Reading, studying and meditating on the word of God would help young people get to know Jesus and help them live "a life of consistent fidelity to Christ and his teachings," the pope said. "I urge you to become familiar with the Bible and to have it at hand so that it can be your compass pointing out the road to follow," the pope said in his message, dated Feb. 22 and released Feb. 27. The theme of the XXI World Youth Day message is "Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path," a passage chosen by Pope Benedict from the psalms. Celebrations this year will be held April 9, Palm Sunday, on the diocesan level.

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