It is not easy to explain. It would be better understood if it were a sporting or musical event. But it is a religious event, one and a half million young people from all over the world who, once again, respond to the Pope's call. And on plenary session of the Executive Council in the month of August. How is this possible?
To understand it, it is necessary to place ourselves in a different logic from that of the spectacle. The human being has a playful dimension, which is undoubtedly very important. But there is also a religious dimension, strong and profound, which gives life its true meaning.

Benedict XVI has a great power of convocation because Catholics know that he is the representative of Christ on earth. When they meet with the Pope, they know that they are seeing and hearing a man who has received from Jesus Christ a special power to be Father and Shepherd, to teach all men the truth about the meaning of existence. And they would listen to him and show him all their affection even if he were a hundred years old; and even if he were not, as he is, the best theologian of our time.

But Benedict XVI also reflects in his face something very special: those who see him admire his smile, his simplicity (a humble sage!), and the clear depth of his words. It could be said that he reflects the face of Christ, and that is why so many people are attracted to him. The one who really attracts and summons men and women all over the world is Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Pope and any Christian can attract to the extent that they reflect, by their words and behavior, the face of Christ.

I had the good fortune to meet Cardinal J. Ratzinger in 1986, in Rome, when he was Prefect of the Doctrine of the Faith. When, some time later, he was elected Pope and some people said that he was a dry, cold and unsympathetic person, I thought: either they don't know him or they don't like him. It took a very short time for everyone to recognize that Benedict XVI's personality did not correspond to what those people, with good or bad faith, were saying.

Many are surprised that, despite being an old man, he "connects" so easily with young and not so young people. The core topic is, it seems to me, that the Pope clearly poses the essential problems of the life of every person; and the answers he offers are not more or less plausible theories. The Pope speaks of Jesus Christ, bears witness to Jesus Christ, and teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way that leads to happiness and salvation.

But there is also a core topic to be able to "connect" with the Pope's words: the good disposition of hearts. The Gospels show us people who welcome Christ with simplicity, and others who, in spite of seeing him raise a dead man from the dead, condemn him. I think that the young people on their way to Madrid are preparing themselves very well so that the Word of Christ, through the clear and profound words of a smiling, wise and humble old man, may penetrate their hearts.

A few days ago we were perplexed by the barbaric violence of hundreds of young people who rampaged through the streets and stores of London: a violence engendered, in large part, by the logic of having, by the dissatisfaction of having enough. In Madrid we will see much joy and peace, fruits of another logic: the logic of wanting to be better. And we will see an enthusiasm that is difficult to understand when there are so many people who seem to have lost all illusion and hope. Superficial enthusiasm? I don't think so. An enthusiasm that leads to giving oneself and sacrificing oneself for others is not banal.