Pope celebrates birthday with young people

Pope Francis celebrated his 79th birthday today with sixty boys and girls from Catholic Action 'Azione Cattolica' Youth, who do voluntary work with refugees. There was a festive atmosphere they sang Happy Birth and presented him with a cake. The Pope commended them for their desire to live the Gospel to the full, and for their mission to involve family members, parishes and communities in an actively Christian life.

This year's theme for Catholic Action Youth is "Journeying to You", which means "taking the path of good, not that of evil", said Francis. "The path of forgiveness, not that of revenge; the path of peace, not that of war; the path of solidarity, not that of selfishness".

Catholic Action Youth has also drawn up a plan for offering aid to migrants in the diocese of Agrigento, whose community the Pope thanked for their exemplary efforts to welcome the many brothers and sisters "who arrive full of hope but also bearing many wounds and with many needs, in search of peace and sustenance".

The young people of Catholic Action can offer a special contribution to this initiative, with their enthusiasm and prayer, which he advised them to "accompany with a small sacrifice, to share their essentials with others who do not have them."

The Pope also commented that yesterday's general audience was attended by a five month-old baby, born on a boat off the Sicilian coast, with his parents. "There are many of them. Many children arrive, others do not make it. Everything you do for these people is good. Many thanks for what you do."

Source: VIS