Be Strong in the Faith, Pontiff Urges Poles

KRAKOW, Poland, MAY 28, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI, in the name of his predecessor Pope John Paul II, exhorted Polish Catholics to stand firm in their faith.

Between 900,000 and 1.5 million people were reported to have taken part in the outdoor Mass this morning on the solemnity of the Lord's Ascension, at which the Holy Father presided in Krakow's Blonie Park. The park was site of Masses celebrated by John Paul II during his trips to his former archdiocese.

Benedict XVI, on the last day of his four-day visit, synthesized the message he brought to Polish lands by quoting the motto for his trip: "Be strong in the faith."

The German Pontiff quoted from the homily John Paul II delivered in that same place on June 10, 1979.

"You must be strong with the strength that comes from faith," Benedict XVI said. "You must be strong with the strength of faith. You must be faithful. Today, more than in any other age, you need this strength."

"I too, Benedict XVI, the successor of Pope John Paul II, am asking you to look up from earth to heaven, to lift your eyes to the One to whom succeeding generations have looked for 2,000 years, and in whom they have discovered life's ultimate meaning," he said.

Treasure

"I ask you to bear courageous witness to the Gospel before today's world, bringing hope to the poor, the suffering, the lost and abandoned, the desperate and those yearning for freedom, truth and peace," the Holy Father continued.

In particular, Benedict XVI asked Polish Catholics "to share with the other peoples of Europe and the world the treasure of your faith, not least as a way of honoring the memory of your countryman, who, as the Successor of Peter, did this with extraordinary power and effectiveness."

"And remember me in your prayers and sacrifices," he concluded, "even as you remembered my great predecessor, so that I can carry out the mission Christ has given me."