Basing his remarks on the example of the "prodigal son" who "squandered his inheritance on a life of indulgence, and ended up in abject poverty and misery", Benedict XVI developed a catechesis on youth deviance and how to overcome it. "Many of you he said, addressing his remarks to the guests of the Rehab Community of the University of Notre Dame have had personal experience of what that young man went through. Perhaps you have made choices that you now regret (…). The choice to abuse drugs or alcohol, to engage in criminal activity or self-harm, may have seemed at the time to offer a way out of a difficult or confusing situation". The Pope then continued: "You now know that, instead of bringing life, it brings death. I wish to acknowledge your courage in choosing to turn back onto the path of life, just like the young man in the parable. You have accepted help: from friends or family, from the staff who run the ‘Alive’ programme: from people who care deeply for your well-being and happiness". He then exhorted the young guests of the Community to become "ambassadors of hope to others in similar situations", sure of the love of Jesus who "welcomes you with open arms".
