VATICAN - Pope tells University Students: “Today God is calling on you European and American young people to cooperate with your contemporaries throughout the world so that the lifeblood of the Gospels can renew the civilization of these two continents and all of humanity.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, there was a prayer vigil held in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, in commemoration of the 6th European Day for University Students, promoted by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences and the Office for University Pastoral Ministry for the Diocese of Rome, with the theme: “Europe and the Americas Together to Build a Civilization of Love.” During the prayer meeting, there were also university students who connected by satellite from universities in Toledo (Spain), Aparecida (Brazil), Loja (Ecuador), Naples (Italy), Havana (Cuba), Mexico City (Mexico), Avignon (France), Wachington, D.C. (USA), Bucarest (Romania), and Minsk (Belarus). After leading the recitation of the Rosary, the Pope greeted the university students in the Hall and those connected from the various European and American cities.
“It is delightful to see, every so often, the relation between Europe and the other continents, as a sign of hope,” Benedict XVI said. “Two years ago, it was Europe and Africa; last year, it was Europe and Asia, and this year, Europe and America. Christianity is a strong and deep bond between the so-called Old Continent and what has been called the 'New World'... Unfortunately, however, the so-called 'Western civilization' has to some degree betrayed its evangelical inspiration. Therefore, it needs to make an honest and sincere reflection, an examination of conscience. We need to distinguish between that which builds a ‘civilization of love,’ according to God’s design revealed in Jesus Christ, and that which opposes to such a civilization.”
He told the young people that “there have always been, in the history of Europe and the Americas, bearers of the power of the Gospel,” offering the examples of Saint Benedict of Nursia, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Blessed Karl Leisner for Europe and Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Rose of Lima, and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha for America. The Pope continued, “Today God is calling on you European and American young people to cooperate with your contemporaries throughout the world so that the lifeblood of the Gospels can renew the civilization of these two continents and all of humanity. The large cities of Europe and America are constantly adopting a more cosmopolitan life, however, this lifeblood is needed so that differences may not be a source of division or conflict, but rather of mutual enrichment...This, my dear friends, is the challenge I hand on to you: be disciples and witnesses to the Gospel, because the Gospel is the good seed of the Kingdom of God, that is, of the civilization of love! Be builders of peace and unity!” After greeting the university students of other countries in the various languages, via satellite, the Pope distributed copies of the Encyclical “Spes Salvi” to those present. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2008; righe 35, parole 459).