The pope calls on students to be "builders of peace"

By Andrew Granger

ROME Mar. 3 - Pope Benedict XVI joined with students around the world, including a group from John Cabot University, on Saturday in a satellite-broadcasted service, calling on students to renew their faith and become “builders of peace.” 

The 80-year-old Pontiff appealed to students throughout the world with brief prayers in seven languages before leading the multi-national crowd in reciting the Rosary. Speaking in English to students at the Catholic University in America, where he will visit next month, the pope said, "With your assistance, may America remain faithful to its Christian roots and to its high ideals of freedom in truth and justice."

 

The pope went on to urge young people in America and Europe to renew their faith efforts. "Today, God is calling on you European and American young people to cooperate with your contemporaries throughout the world so that the lifeblood of the Gospels can renew the civilization of these two continents and all of humanity," he said.

The event lasted over four hours, with the pope arriving mid-way through the service. It began with native dances from representatives of the Latin American countries. There were also songs conducted by a band and orchestra.

At the time of the pope’s arrival, the already packed theater became claustrophobic. The crowd began to chant and push over each other like a soccer match. Yet, his arrival was all business. The Pontiff, merely waved to the crowd before beginning to pray.

Throughout the celebration pitches were made for World Youth Day, which will be held this year in Sydney.

World Youth Day is an event put on by the Catholic Church in an attempt to get young people more involved in the church.