VATICAN - At the General Wednesday Audience the Pope reflects on his meeting with youth in Switzerland: “Christ himself, Risen and Living, calls young people of the third millennium to “rise up”, to give full meaning to their life ”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - At the General Wednesday Audience in St Peter’s Square this morning, the Pope reflected on his recent Apostolic Journey to Switzerland.. “The main reason for my apostolic pilgrimage to that beloved nation was to attend the meeting of Switzerland’s young Catholics- the Pope said -. I thank the Lord who gave me the opportunity to live with them an event of great spiritual enthusiasm and to propose to the new generations of Switzerland a message which I would extend to all young people in Europe and the rest of the world. This message, so important for me, can be summarised in three verbs: "arise!", "hear!", "take to the road!". It is Christ himself, Risen and Living, who says these words to every boy and girl of our times. It is He who calls the young people of the third millennium to "rise up", that is to give full meaning to their lives. I wanted them to hear this call because I am convinced that only Christ, Redeemer of mankind, can help young people "rise up" from negative experiences and mentalities and grow to full human, spiritual and moral stature.”
Recalling that last Sunday, solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, he concelebrated Mass with bishops and priests from all over Switzerland the Pope said: “In the light of the fundamental mystery of Christian faith I renewed the call for unity among all Christians, urging first of all Catholics to live unity among themselves making the Church "a house and school of communion". The Holy Spirit who creates unity inspires also mission so that the truth about God and mankind, revealed in Christ, can be witnessed and announced to all.” Before leaving Bern the Pope had a meeting with old members of the Swiss Guard, whom he thanked, “for the precious service which the Swiss Guard has offered the Apostolic See for almost five centuries.” Referring to the thousands of young men who offered a singular service to the Church and the Successor of St Peter for hundreds of years the Pope said: “These young men, rich in love and ideals, showed their sincere love for Christ and the Church. May the young people of Switzerland and the whole world discover the marvellous unity between faith and life and prepare to fulfil with enthusiasm the mission to which God’s calls them!” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/6/2004 - Righe 25; Parole 380)