"In these hours our heart is once again shaken by sad news relating to deplorable acts of terrorism and violence, which have caused pain and death. I think of the dramatic events in Munich, Germany, and in Kabul, Afghanistan, when many innocent people have lost their lives. I am close to the relatives of the victims and to the injured. I invite you to join me in prayer that the Lord inspire goodwill and fraternity in all. The more insurmountable and difficulties may seem, and the darker the prospects of safety and peace, the more insistent our prayer must be".

The Holy Father went on to recall that in these days many young people from all over the world are journeying to Krakow, where the 31st World Youth Day will take place. "I too will depart on Wednesday, to meet with the boys and girls and to celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy with them, with the intercession of St. John Paul II", he affirmed. "I ask you to accompany me with prayer. I greet and thank those who are working to welcome the young pilgrims, along with many bishops, priests, and men and women religious. I address a special thought to their many peers who, although they are unable to attend, will follow the event in the media. We will all be united in prayer".