During his two days among us, the Holy Father touched on many themes which
are just as relevant today as they were in 1982. Re-reading his words at a
distance of 25 years, we are struck by their importance for the
circumstances of today – perhaps even more than for the time in which they
were spoken.

That prophetic aspect was touched on in the encounter with young people at
Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, when the Pope encouraged them to prepare
for

their future responsibilities. Today, many of the young people who crowded
into those stands are parents themselves, living out their special vocation
as the first and primary educators of their own children.

We recall the great rallying cry of the Pope as he took his leave of the
youth of Scotland and repeat it in turn to the young people of the 21st
century:

“Do not let the sight of the world in turmoil shake your confidence in
Jesus. Not even the threat of nuclear war. Remember his words: “Be brave:
I have conquered the world”. Let no temptation discourage you. Let no
failure hold you down. There is nothing that you cannot master with the help
of the One who gives you strength.”

Today the challenges are different, though regretfully the shadow of nuclear
weapons still hangs over the horizon. However the Pope’s message of
consolation and hope should fortify us – young and old - as we struggle to
live out the vocation to which we have been called as Christians in the
home, the school, the workplace and among our friends, echoing the words of
Jesus himself who said: “Be brave: I have conquered the world.”