NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- In his weekly public audience today, Pope John Paul II followed his usual habit, reflecting on his most recent trip abroad. In answer to those who have suggested that his visit to Austria was not well received, the Holy Father told a crowd of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square that "the young people understood the purpose of my visit."

      The trip was intended to help the Austrian Church overcome current divisions, and recapture the sense of "the joy and the truth" of the faith, the Pope said. "I went to Austria as a pilgrim of the faith, as a cooperator in that joy, a cooperator in that truth," he said.

      The Pontiff continued by saying that young people are always interested in pursuing an ideal, and that as he spoke to the people of Austria he noticed the many enthusiastic young people, "and I reminded them that the Church sees in them the rich promise of the future."

      The Pope also repeated his belief that the Catholic faith remains rich and vibrant in Austria, despite the current crisis. "I came among them to help them overcome the difficulties of today and to encourage them to respond courageously to the approach of the Grand Jubilee," he said. He thanked the people of Austria for their cordial welcome.