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Pope to Europe: Open Up to God. A journey made as a "witness to the Risen Christ, as a sower of hope that does not disappoint and does not deceive, because it has its origins in the infinite love of …More
Pope to Europe: Open Up to God.

A journey made as a "witness to the Risen Christ, as a sower of hope that does not disappoint and does not deceive, because it has its origins in the infinite love of God for all men." With these words, Benedict XVI today recalled his latest apostolic journey to Santiago de Compostela and Barcelona. Speaking at his weekly general audience, the Pope said that, in this Jubilee Year dedicated to St. James, he became a pilgrim among pilgrims. He said he hoped everyone can undertake "a journey of profound conversion to Christ, who has taken on himself the miseries of the world, so that evil has no more power and where light illuminates every good thing." Benedict XVI then invited Europe "to open up more to God," rediscovering its roots. With great joy, the Pope recalled the day he spent in Barcelona - above all, the dedication of the Holy Family Church, designed by Antonio Gaudi, which, he said, brings us back to the source of all beauty and recalls the importance of the institution of the family. "Everything that is done to support marriage and family, to help those most in need, contributes to the improvement of society," the Pope said. Lastly, he recalled his visit to the Nen Deu shelter for the care of disabled children and young people. Their lives are precious, he said, and invite us to abandon our selfishness. Today's general audience was divided into two parts. Earlier, the Pope met in St. Peter's basilica pilgrims from the Czech Republic, and Carpineto Romano near Rome.