Pontiff Wishes the Sick a Serene Christmas

 The Pope said this today as he concluded the general audience with his traditional greeting to youth, the ill and newlyweds.

To youth, and especially the youth of Catholic Action, he made an exhortation that they "dispose [their] hearts to receive Jesus, who comes to save us with the power of his love."

The Holy Father spoke to the sick, noting how in their illnesses they "share with Christ the weight of the cross."

"May the forthcoming Christmas celebrations bring serenity and comfort," he told them.

Finally the Pontiff made this recommendation to newlyweds: "I invite you, dear newlyweds, who have recently founded your family, to grow increasingly in that love which Jesus has given us in his Christmas."