Pope ‘almost moved to tears’ during World Youth Day, says cardinal

Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela of Madrid, Spain recalled that
Pope Benedict was “emotionally moved many times, almost to tears,”
during World Youth Day 2011. 

The cardinal said Benedict XVI was especially touched by the
theatrical presentation of the Stations of the Cross, which he had
initially not planned to attend.

Speaking to the COPE radio network on Aug. 22, Cardinal Rouco said
the Pope changed his mind upon learning that the stations would be
presented following the traditions of the Holy Week celebrations in
Spain, using a combination of chant and prayer.

The cardinal
also encouraged Catholics to re-read the Pope’s numerous speeches, which
he called a treasure trove of “preaching, proclamation of the word and
explanations to young people” based on the gospels and on the World
Youth Day theme.

This year’s theme was, “Planted and built up in Jesus
Christ, firm in the faith,” taken from St. Paul’s letter to the
Colossians.

“That was the common thread in all of his homilies, speeches and remarks,” the cardinal added.

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