Yes, I am one of the Pope's youth who has gone to Heaven today.
Yes, I am one of those young people who chanted the name of Benedict XVI in the streets of Madrid and at the Cuatro Vientos airfield more than ten summers ago.
Of that youth for which an 83-year-old man endured more than 40 degrees in the sun and a gale of air and rain at night, clinging to the Cross.
From those young people whom the Pope taught that - just as we resisted in the rain that night - with Christ we could also overcome all of life's obstacles.
I am one of those young people in whom that Pope, with his fragile constitution, placed his trust, those young people whom he asked, without ambiguity, to be always joyful and to bear witness in all circumstances.
I am one of those young people who today sees how their Pope leaves the world quietly. With the same humility with which, ten years ago, he gave way to his successor to lead the Church of Christ.
Yes, I am one of those young people who should thank Benedict XVI for all that he has taught them, not only through his words, but also through his example of dedication even in difficulties.
Today is a day to thank God for Joseph Ratzinger, because one day he chose him and placed him at our service.
Today is a day to pray for him, to pray to him and to pray for the Church of Christ. Today, as then, we are still the Pope's youth. Of the one who was and of the one to come.
For today, as then, we proclaim that this is our Pope, that this is our Church, that we are, if not in age, in heart, his joy and his crown.
