Sao Paulo, May 10, 2007 / 06:30 pm (CNA).- Addressing a cheering crown gathered at the old soccer Stadium of Pacaembu in Sao Paulo, Pope Benedict XVI challenged Brazilian and Latin American young people not to "spoil your youth" but to listen and follow God's call in their lives.
In a long and energetic speech addressed from the dove-shaped dome on a sunny afternoon, the Pontiff commented on the Gospel passage of the rich young man (Mt 19:16-22) and said, "While flying over the land of Brazil yesterday evening, I was already anticipating our encounter here in the Stadium of Pacaembu, anxious to extend to all of you a warm Brazilian embrace and to share with you the sentiments which I carry in the depths of my heart, and which are very appropriately indicated to us in today’s Gospel."
Recalling his predecessor, who visited Brazil in three occasions, Benedict said: "In 1991, during his visit to Mato Grosso, the Servant of God Pope John Paul II, of venerable memory, said that 'youth are the first protagonists of the third millennium … they are the ones who will be charged with the destiny of this new phase in human history.' Today, I feel moved to make the same observation regarding all of you."
Read the entire address by clicking here
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