"We are all aware of the evil derived from our country in the twentieth century, and we recognise this with shame and sorrow. However, these days, thank God, it was widely shown that there was and is also another Germany, a country of unique human, cultural and spiritual resources. I hope these resources, also thanks to the event of these days, will spread again in the world!". These were the words of Pope Benedict XVI this afternoon at the international airport of Cologne-Bonn, where the departure ceremony is underway. "In these days said the Pope Germany was the centre of the catholic world. Young people from every continent and culture showed there was a young Church, which with imagination and courage wants to design a face of humanity which is more just and supportive of solidarity. Following the example of the Magi, the Three Wise Kings, young people have set out on their journey to meet Christ, and are now leaving for their countries and cities to bear witness to the light, beauty and strength of the Gospel". As regards this, Pope Benedict XVI expressed the wish for "there to be more common commitment in forming young generations on those human and spiritual values, which are indispensable to build a future of true freedom and peace". "My wish he concluded is that this ecclesial event remains engraved in the life of catholics in Germany and is an incentive for their spiritual and apostolic renewal! May the Gospel be accepted in its integrity and passionately witnessed by all the disciples of Christ, so that it may become a ferment of authentic renewal of the whole Germany society, also thanks to dialogue with the different christian communities and with the followers of other religions".
