Pope's weekend activities highlight his role as bishop of Rome

Published: 2008-02-25

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Addressing a rally in favor of education and celebrating Mass at a parish, Pope Benedict XVI's Feb. 23-24 weekend highlighted his role as bishop of Rome. More than 40,000 of the city's students and parents, teachers, catechists and priests gathered in St. Peter's Square Feb. 23 in response to the pope's call for a renewed commitment to education in the city. Pope Benedict said the gathering was a sign of "a common concern for the good of new generations, for the growth and future of the children the Lord has given this city." Educating young people has never been easy, he said, but with new technology, constant exposure to the media, increasing family breakdowns and looser ties to the church, it is more difficult than ever. But, the pope said, no one can give up. "The great heritage of faith and culture, which is the truest richness of our beloved city, must not be lost in the passage from one generation to another, but rather must be renewed and strengthened to be a guide and a stimulus for our journey toward the future," he said.

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