VATICAN CITY, JUNE 1, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI urged young people and the sick in particular to rediscover Christ's love during June, a month dedicated to the Sacred Heart.

Speaking in Spanish at the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, the Pope reminded the faithful that "next Friday is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus" and encouraged them to pray "that he may help us to love our brothers as he loved us."

This feast was promulgated in memory of Christ's apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) in which Christ expressed his sorrow over the sins and sacrileges of humanity.

Before taking leave of the 25,000 people who attended the audience, the Holy Father addressed special greetings to young people, the sick and newlyweds.

"We begin today the month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart," he said. "Let us pause frequently to contemplate this profound mystery of Divine Love.

"Dear young people, in the school of the Heart of Christ, you will learn to assume with seriousness the responsibilities that await you."

Addressing the sick, many of whom were in the front rows, the Pontiff invited them to find "in that infinite source of mercy the courage and patience to understand the will of God in every situation."

"And you, dear newlyweds," he added, "remain faithful to the love of God, witnessing to it with your conjugal love."