Pope Invites Students to Discover Whole Truth in Christ

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II, presiding over the Mass for Rome's university students, invited them to discover in Christ's expression the full truth about man.

The celebration today gave the Pope the chance to encourage the 10,000 students who filled St. Peter's Basilica to prepare spiritually for Christmas.

The Holy Father focused his homily on the Year of the Eucharist and on preparation for World Youth Day 2005.

"One cannot remain indifferent when Christ says: 'I am the living bread that came down from heaven,'" the Pope said, quoting John 6:51 in reference to the Eucharistic mystery.

"You, dear university students, are in constant search of the truth. But one does not come to the truth of man only with the means offered by science in its different disciplines," he said. "You know well that it is only possible to discover the whole truth about man, the truth about ourselves, thanks to Christ's look full of love.

"And he, the Lord, comes to meet us in the mystery of the Eucharist. Never cease, therefore, to seek him and you will discover in his eyes an attractive reflection of the goodness and beauty that he himself has infused in your hearts with the gift of his Spirit."

John Paul II added: "May this mysterious reflection of his love be the light that always guides your way!"

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar for Rome, celebrated the Mass. The liturgical hymns were sung by the Rome's Inter-university Choir, accompanied by an additional 11 choruses, and a student orchestra of the music conservatories.