Pope to Youth: Love the Church

The Pope made this invitation at the end of today's general audience in Paul VI Hall when he gave his customary greeting to youth, the ill and newlyweds.

"This feast gives us the occasion to highlight the meaning and value of the Church," the Holy Father confirmed. "Dear young people, love the Church and cooperate with enthusiasm in her construction."

He also urged the ill to make their sufferings a tool for the building up of the Church.

"Dear sick people," the Pontiff said, "live the offering of your suffering as a precious contribution to the spiritual growth of the Christian community. And you, dear newlyweds, be in the world a living sign of the love of Christ."