In WYD message, pope calls on youths to evangelize, be missionaries

Published: 2007-07-24

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When adults have so much difficulty bringing young people to faith, it probably is a sign that God is calling youths to evangelize their peers, Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for World Youth Day 2008. The struggle adults have in making the faith convincing "could be a sign with which the Spirit is urging you young people to take this task upon yourselves," the pope wrote in his message, released in English July 24. Pope Benedict also said he hoped a huge crowd of young people would join him in Sydney, Australia, for the July 15-20 international gathering, which will include a renewal of the promises made at baptism and confirmation. "Together we shall invoke the Holy Spirit, confidently asking God for the gift of a new Pentecost for the church and for humanity in the third millennium," the pope said. The theme of World Youth Day 2008 is: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses."

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