Pontiff Thanks Families and Volunteers
CASTEL GANDOLFO, AUGUST 15 (ZENIT.org).- "Rome will be the capital of the world's youth' for a week, John Paul II promised at noon today, when he met several thousand pilgrims, just hours before the opening of World Youth Day, which will end on August 20.
This morning Rome woke up to a unique spectacle: youths of all races, wearing T-shirts, with scarves and hats on their heads, walked in groups, invading the streets to arrive at parishes of the Eternal City, which have gone all out to welcome them. Like St. Philip Neri a few centuries ago, parish priests greeted pilgrims in Rome, washing some youths' feet as a sign of welcome.
Special attention was given to 300 youths from countries at war. They were welcomed by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of Rome, who washed their feet in St. John Lateran, the most important Roman Basilica. With only 6 hours left before personally greeting the youths congregating simultaneously in St. John Lateran's Square and St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Pope thanked "the organizers and numerous volunteers for all they have done, and will do over the next few days, to insure the success of the Great Jubilee of Youths. I am especially grateful to the families, parishes, schools, and institutions, which have opened their doors to welcome the young pilgrims from all over the world."
The Holy Father then added: "It could be said that, from today until next Sunday, Rome will be the capital of the world's youth!" John Paul II entrusted the success and fruitfulness of these days of youthful meetings to the Virgin Mary, whose Assumption into heaven was being celebrated by the world's billion Catholics. He recalled that, 49 years ago, on the eve of this feast, Maximilian Kolbe was killed in Auschwitz, and said: "May the Queen of Heaven, so loved by him, continue to follow us on the earthly road as a caring Mother of her children, especially of the new generations, and remind all of the glorious end, where she has preceded us and awaits us."
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