Benedict XVI:

Follow Example of John the Baptist

VATICAN CITY, AUG. 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- St. John the Baptist is a role model of living one's faith with fidelity, says Benedict XVI.

Addressing a crowd of 8,000 at the end of today's general audience in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father commented on the feast of the beheading of St. John the Baptist, Aug. 29.

The Pope said Jesus described the saint as "the greatest among those born of women" (cf. Luke 7:28).

Turning to the young people present, the Pontiff said that he hoped the Baptist would be for them all "a stimulus to plan your lives in full fidelity to Christ."

Benedict XVI then greeted the sick and hoped that John the Baptist would help them "to face suffering with courage, finding serenity and consolation in the Lord."

Finally, the Pope spoke to newlyweds, some of whom came in their wedding clothes, and hoped that the saint's martyrdom would help them "witness a sincere love of God, between yourselves and to your neighbor."