As a member of the World Youth Alliance this message belongs to every citizens of the world.

Dear Friends,

At the end of this month we pause in tribute to a great leader and “the eternal friend of youth”, Pope John Paul II.

John Paul II’s constant message to the world was “Do not be afraid.” In his own life he experienced the struggle and sorrow of the Nazi occupation of his homeland, Poland, followed by the oppression of the communist regime. He also experienced the triumph of the human spirit in the resistance movements during World War II and the Solidarity movement in Poland. As Pope, he was instrumental in the fall of communism.

John Paul II was unflinching in the face of the despair of the modern world and he never ceased urging the young, especially, to “build a culture of life” and “a world marked by greater solidarity and justice.”

Though we mourn his passing, his teaching and exhortation to young people still animates our hearts and we respond with all of the enthusiasm and creativity of our youth. It is our joy to honor and remember one who has taught the world so much about the dignity of each person both by word and example.

We look forward with great excitement to the leadership of his successor, Benedict XVI and extend our warmest welcome to him. We know that like John Paul II, he will be a defender and champion of the dignity of the person. The young people of the world embrace him with affection and confidence.

For a culture of life,

The World Youth Alliance

“I feel an obligation to reaffirm vigorously that the intrinsic value and the personal dignity of every human being does not change no matter what the concrete situations of his life.”

~Pope John Paul II