Thousands are waiting on the Marienfeld lawn. A long night in vigil and prayer awaits them, but above all the "face to face" meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. An immense stretch of young people of all races, flags from all over the world, colours, tents, and rucksacks. Van Toren, 26 years, comes from the Philippines. "Faith he says is important for young people because it is in particular an experience of the love of God. It gives meaning and enlightens our life showing us the way to go". Van speaks of the relationship young people had with pope John Paul II. "He gave us everything but above all he loved us so much that he remembered us in the last moments of his life. We understood this and for this reason we followed him. I am sure that Benedict XVI will do the same. This evening we will ask him". Josline Chabou, 31 years old from Lebanon, still remembers the long night spent at Tor Vergata, during the WYD in 2000. He said: "I remember everything about that night. Today, I feel there is the same atmosphere of that evening. I am waiting for Benedict with hope. We will walk hand in hand with him because, I am sure, he will continue along the path which John Paul II had opened in our hearts". There is also a group of 130 youths from Namibia among the young people present. "In this night of vigil with the Pope – said Patrick Misomali, 33 years old we will pray for peace in the world, for peace in our countries and peace in the hearts of mankind. We will pray for the young people who are here, because as the Pope asked us, they must open their hearts to God and be His witnesses in the places where they live".
