Pope John Paul II called on believers Sunday to live out their faith uncompromisingly and become prophets of Christian hope in a world threatened by innumerable traps.
Addressing 40,000 Roman Catholic laymen on St Peter's Square in Rome, he said: "If you live Christianity uncompromisingly you can set the world alight."
Being Christian meant facing radical choices "even against the stream."
Speaking of a modern mankind rich in promise and expectations, but also threatened by traps and dangers, the pontiff continued:
"It suffices to recall social achievements, and the revolution in the genetic field; economic progress, but also the under-development which exists in large areas of the planet, the drama of hunger in the world and the difficulties in protecting peace; the strong networks of communications, but also the drama of loneliness and violence that mark daily life" -- VATICAN CITY (AFP)
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