Pope Francis sends message to British youth event at Wembley Arena

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis sent his blessings this weekend to more than 8,000 young people who had gathered in Wembley Arena for the Flame 2 youth event, one of the largest such events to ever be held in Great Britain.

Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Apostolic Nuncio to the United Kingdom, sent the message from Pope Francis to the participants.

The full text is below

His Holiness Pope Francis presents His special greetings to all those persons who are participating in FLAME 2, taking place in Wembley Arena, London on Saturday, 7 March 2015.

Speaking to young people during his recent Apostolic Visit to the Philippines, the Holy Father affirmed: "God surprises us. Let us allow ourselves to be surprised by God. Let us not have the psychology of a computer, thinking that we know everything... What do I mean? Think for a moment. The computer has all the answers, never a surprise... In the challenge of love, God shows up with surprises.... So let yourselves be surprised by God: Don't be afraid of surprises, afraid that they will shake you up. They make us insecure but they change the direction we are going in. True love makes you "burn life", even at the risk of coming up empty-handed. Think of Saint Francis: he left everything, he died with empty hands, but, with a full heart... so. be wise --- think well, feel well and act well. and try to be wise. Let yourselves be surprised by God’s love, then go out and burn life… And I want to encourage you as Christian citizens... to offer yourselves passionately and honestly to the great work of renewing your society and helping to build a better world. (18 January 2015).

His Holiness imparts to all participants in FLAME 2 and their families and loved ones a special Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant graces from Our Blessed Lord.

Archbishop Antonio Mennini

Apostolic Nuncio