London, England, Sep 17, 2010 / 04:09 am
Today the Holy Father encouraged schoolchildren in the U.K. to aim high and "not to be content with second-best." Seeking holiness and "true happiness" in their lives, he said, will lead them to sainthood.
An estimated 4,000 children were in attendance from all over Great Britain for the event, which was held on the sports field at St. Mary's University College campus in London. The encounter was broadcast to all the Catholic schools in Scotland, England and Wales.
Observing that it is rare that a Pope, or anyone at all, has the opportunity to speak to all of the Catholic schoolchildren in the U.K. at the same time, he said he had something he wanted to tell them.
"I hope," he said, "that among those of you istening to me today there are some of the future saints of the 21st century. What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy."