Rome, Italy, May 27, 2010 / 17:09 pm
During an Italian bishops gathering that discussed pastoral guidelines for the upcoming decade and emphasized the theme of education, Pope Benedict focused intently on youth and stressed the importance of viewing education as a means of “forming new generations” so “that they may know how to relate to the world.”
The Holy Father also commented on the upcoming end of the Year for Priests. Referencing the recently surfaced sex abuse scandals, he asserted that “the weaknesses and sin” of some members within the Church should not “make us forget the gratuitous and zealous service of many believers, first among them, priests.”
Pope Benedict gave his remarks at the Vatican's Synod Hall, meeting with participants of the general assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), which is meeting from May 24 through 28 to discuss its general pastoral guidelines for 2010 – 2020.
“The Holy Spirit guides the Church in the world and in history,” the Pope said, beginning his address. “Thanks to this gift from the Risen One, the Lord remains present in the midst of historical events. It is through the Spirit that we can recognize the meaning of human vicissitudes in Christ.”