Dear Young People,

At the time when you are having a fine experience of ecclesial encounter organized by the Taizé Community, Pope Benedict XVI joins you all in prayer.

In paying homage to Bro. Roger, who desired these international meetings to instil in young Christians a spirit of lived brotherhood and peace, the Pope hopes that the dialogue between those of you who have come from various countries and different Christian confessions, and the encounter with the Christians of Milan who have welcomed you, will enable you to weave new bonds that will be as many seeds of peace scattered among men and women.

May the example of the Founder of Taizé and Pope John Paul II's unflagging witness in favour of dialogue and peace among men and women, encourage you, in turn, to be artisans of peace!

In a world undermined by numerous hotbeds of tension and in our developed societies where new forms of violence are appearing that particularly affect young people, the Pope asks you to witness with simplicity and joy to the spirit of peace that dwells within us, thanks to the gift that the Lord Jesus made of himself once and for all on the Cross out of love for all, because, as the Apostle Paul says, "he is our peace" (Eph 2: 14) and invites us to forgive, the sign of an absolute love.

As he entrusts you to the prayers of Mary, Mother of the Lord and of all those who have become his brothers and sisters, the Holy Father warmly imparts an affectionate Apostolic Blessing to you, as well as to the brothers of Taizé and to the communities and families who are offering you hospitality.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of State