Jesus Invites Every Young Person to Become a Witness to Him Pope John Paul II General Audience August 23, 2000 Dear Brothers and Sisters, World Youth Day was an unforgettable event which has left a deep and lasting impression on all who took part in it. Our thoughts turn today to the young people from all over the world who came to Rome for a personal and community encounter with the Lord Jesus, who alone reveals the true meaning of our human existence. In fact, it is Jesus in the first place who invites every young person to become a witness to him in the world. The young people present responded enthusiastically to the Lord’s call. They did not allow their limits and weaknesses to discourage them, for they know that they can count on the love and mercy of God the Father who sustains them on life’s journey. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless these young people and their peers, so that they will be able to carry out with perseverance the mission he has entrusted to them. I invoke upon them the maternal help of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, who watched over them during the days of their Jubilee. I warmly welcome the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims, especially those from England, the Philippines, Japan and the United States of America. Upon you and your families I invoke the abundant blessings of Almighty God.