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My son just got back from WYD. On the drive back after I picked him up at the bus, he talked constantly about the message of the Gospel and redemption and so many other things that he knew as a Catholic but never really thought about. He's nineteen - "groupie age" you might say - but, believe me, he loves the Pope and was excited to say he was eight feet away but he didn't dwell on that. He came back talking about the catechesis, the fellowship, the excitement about being with others who were of the same faith as him. His love of his church and a desire to be a better Catholic. The Pope was an instrument to gather these young people together. They talked about JESUS and His love for them. The Pope simply reflects that and, in his human way, imitates it. You were not there. You have no right to judge these young people. You do not know what is in their hearts. I'd rather have my son listen to one who represents Christ on earth and teaches His word rather than some grunge rock group or heavy metal group. At least he - and a million others - know the difference. They are not stupid. They know the Pope is not Christ himself, and they know that he's not perfect. What he is, is an example, and he knows how important they are. After all, these young folks are the future of our church - especially so important to acknowledge in this time of crisis we are going through!

I sincerely hope you have a better day and shed some of what appears to be bitterness.

I am not at all bitter. If your son came back talking about the faith, then maybe I'm wrong. But I too have been in crowds of kids--in Rome, not too long ago--to see the Pope. Same thing, lots of enthusiasm, but only for the moment. Young people are open, they are decent, they want to learn about the faith. Most are not getting the message, either in Catholic school or Catholic college. I've seen this breakdown first hand so I'm not optimistic.