SYDNEY, Australia, JULY 16, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says World Youth Day is an occasion to reflect on what kind of world will be handed on to future generations, and he congratulated Australia for its efforts to care for the environment.
The Pope affirmed this Thursday morning local time at an official welcome ceremony at Sydney's Government House. The Holy Father was received there by Governor-General Michael Jeffery and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his wife Therese.
In his brief address, the Pontiff touched on a variety of themes, including the rights of the Australian indigenous populations.
"Some might ask what motivates thousands of young people to undertake what is for many a long and demanding journey in order to participate in an event of this kind," Benedict XVI said. "Ever since the first World Youth Day in 1986, it has been evident that vast numbers of young people appreciate the opportunity to come together to deepen their faith in Christ and to share with one another a joyful experience of communion in his Church.
"They are eager to take part in an event which brings into focus the high ideals that inspire them, and they return home filled with hope and renewed in their resolve to contribute to the building of a better world."
The Pope affirmed that for him it is a "joy to be with" the youth. "World Youth Day fills me with confidence for the future of the Church and the future of our world," he said.
Indigenous
Noting the relative youth of the Australian nation, the Holy Father spoke of those who inhabited the land before European settlers arrived.
He said that "for thousands of years before the arrival of Western settlers, the sole inhabitants of the land were indigenous peoples, the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. Their ancient heritage forms an essential part of the cultural landscape of modern Australia."
And the Pontiff lauded recent moves by the Australian government to recognize indigenous rights.
"Thanks to the Australian government's courageous decision to acknowledge the injustices committed against the indigenous peoples in the past, concrete steps are now being taken to achieve reconciliation based on mutual respect," he said. "Rightly, you are seeking to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians regarding life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity. This example of reconciliation offers hope to peoples all over the world who long to see their rights affirmed and their contribution to society acknowledged and promoted."
Becoming saints
The Holy Father recalled the contribution that Catholics have also made to the history of Australia. He particularly mentioned Blessed Mary MacKillop. The Pope was scheduled to pray at Blessed Mary's tomb later in the day.
"With many thousands of young people visiting Australia at this time," the Bishop of Rome continued "it is appropriate to reflect upon the kind of world we are handing on to future generations. [...] The wonder of God's creation reminds us of the need to protect the environment and to exercise responsible stewardship of the goods of the earth.
"In this connection I note that Australia is making a serious commitment to address its responsibility to care for the natural environment. Likewise with regard to the human environment, this country has generously supported international peacekeeping operations, contributing to conflict resolution in the Pacific, in Southeast Asia and elsewhere."
Then Benedict XVI recalled that his primary objective for being in Australia is meeting the young "from all over the world, and to pray for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all those taking part in our celebrations."
"Young people today face a bewildering variety of life-choices, so that they sometimes find it hard to know how best to channel their idealism and their energy," he acknowledged. "It is the Spirit who gives the wisdom to discern the right path and the courage to follow it. He crowns our poor efforts with his divine gifts, just as the wind filling the sails sweeps the ship forward, far surpassing what the oarsmen can achieve through their laborious rowing.
"In this way, the Spirit enables men and women in every land and in every generation to become saints. Through the Spirit's action, may the young people gathered here for World Youth Day have the courage to become saints. This is what the world needs more than anything else."
