His first words to them after a welcoming address by the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Ruoco Varela, were \u201cI hope you were able to sleep a little last night\u201d\u009d, to the young people\u2019s applause. Then with the procession of bishops and priests to the sweeping white stage, upon which a simple altar was shaded by the outstretched branches of an artificial golden tree, the closing ceremony of this week of prayer, song, meditation and encounter begun.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot encounter Christ and not want to make him known to others.\u201d\u009d Pope Benedict told them in his homily. \u201cSo do not keep Christ to yourselves!\u201d\u009d. The entire homily was drawn from the Sunday Gospel, Mathew 16, from Christ\u2019s question to the apostles: \u201cBut who do you say that I am?\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n
\u201cFaith is more than just empirical or historical facts; it is an ability to grasp the mystery of Christ\u2019s person in all its depth\u201d\u009d, he said. And then looking out on the horizon of young men and women, religious and lay, that extended before his gaze, the Pope said to them , \u201ctoday Christ is asking you the same question\u201d\u009d. \u201cRespond to him with generosity and courage, as befits young hearts like your own\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n