Youth Promise Holy Father to Be Drug-Free

KRAKOW, Poland, MAY 28, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appealed to young people as a "father," asking them to say no to drugs.

After a huge outdoor Mass today in Blonie Square in Krakow, the Pope addressed the faithful and revealed that on Saturday some young people gave him a book which read: "I do not take them, I am free of drugs."

The statement had been signed by 30,000 youths, following an Internet campaign in Poland.

The Holy Father responded to the gift saying, "I ask you now, as your father: Remain faithful to this promise. It is a question of your lives and your freedom. Do no let yourselves fall victim to this world's illusions."