Excerpt from Address to the Youth of Rome in Preparation for World Youth Day, April 5, 2001
"Do not be afraid, young watchmen at this dawn of the new millennium, to take up your missionary responsibilities which flow from your Baptism and Confirmation. If the Lord then calls you to serve him more closely in the priesthood or in a state of special consecration, follow him generously.
Mary, the young Virgin of Nazareth who said "yes" to God and gave Christ to humanity, stands beside each of you. May you be helped by your many peers, whose total fidelity to the Gospel has been recognized by the Church and who have been held up as examples to follow and intercessors to call upon. Among these I would like to mention Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, the centenary of whose birth will occur tomorrow. Get to know him! The life of this "normal" young man shows that we can be holy by living our friendships, studies, sports and service to the poor in a constant relationship with God. I entrust your missionary efforts to him.
As for me, I accompany you with affection and prayer, as I cordially bless you, your families and the young people of the entire city of Rome."