Before taking his leave of the 40,000 people who had gathered in St. Peter's Square for today's general audience, the Pope greeted youth, the sick and newlyweds.
He reminded them that this Thursday, the Church will celebrate the feast of Italy's patron, St. Francis of Assisi.
"May the luminous example of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast we will celebrate tomorrow, impel you, dear young people, to always live with complete faithfulness to the Gospel," said the Holy Father.
He urged the ill "to face suffering with courage, seeking serenity and consolation in Christ crucified."
And to the newlyweds present, some dressed in their wedding clothes, Benedict XVI invited them to live "a love that grows deeper every day for God and for each other, so that you can experience the joy that comes from your reciprocal gift, which is open to life."
ZE07100308 - 2007-10-03