Pope to Youth: Imitate Martyrs' Heroism

The Pope said this today at the conclusion of the general audience, when he offered his traditional greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds.

"Dear young people, imitate [the martyrs'] heroic evangelical witness and be faithful to Christ in every situation of life," he said.

"I encourage you, dear sick people, to take up the example of the protomartyrs to transform your suffering into an act of donation for love of God and of brothers," the Holy Father added. "May you, dear newlyweds, be able to adhere to the plan that the Creator established for your vocation, so as to succeed in bringing about a fecund and lasting family union."