World Youth Day in Madrid ended on Sunday 21st August 2011 after Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass with over 1.5 million young people.
To access a number of key addresses by the Holy Father during the World Youth Day celebrations, use these links to the Vatican website:
- Papal Arrival
- Papal Welcome
- Pope Meets Young Women Religious
- Pope Meets Young University Professors
- WYD Stations of the Cross
- Vigil with the Pope
- WYD11 Final Mass Homily
On the Pope’s arrival in Madrid he spoke powerfully about how young people are searching for God today:
“Many of them have heard the voice of God, perhaps only as a little whisper, which has led them to search for him more diligently and to share with others the experience of the force which he has in their lives,” he continued. “The discovery of the living God inspires young people and opens their eyes to the challenges of the world in which they live, with its possibilities and limitations.
“They see the prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of sexuality, the lack of solidarity, the corruption. They know that, without God, it would be hard to confront these challenges and to be truly happy, and thus pouring out their enthusiasm in the attainment of an authentic life.”
The Pontiff said that “with God beside them,” young people will “possess light to walk by and reasons to hope, unrestrained before their highest ideals, which will motivate their generous commitment to build a society where human dignity and true brotherhood are respected.”
Check out the latest news on what’s happening in Madrid on the official World Youth Day website. If you are having difficulty accessing this site, go to: http://wydcentral.org/wydtv or to http://www.xt3.com/wyd2011/news.php