Greeting an international group of Scouts on the 100th anniversary of Scouting, Pope Benedict XVI prayed that the movement would continue to promote "human, spiritual and civil formation in every country of the world."

The pope congratulated the young men and women at the end of his weekly general audience Aug 1, just a few hours after they joined Scouts from around the world in renewing their promises to serve God and others with generosity.

Wading into the crowd to shake hands with and bless his visitors, Pope Benedict received a Scout's scarf, which he tried to slip over his head. An aide took it from him, though, before he was able to readjust the knot.
(CNS)

rejoices over Iraq's football win

Pope Benedict XVI said he rejoiced with the people of Iraq when Iraq beat the favored Saudi Arabia 1-0 to win the Asian Cup soccer tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia.

At the end of his weekly general audience Aug 1, the pope said he wanted to remark on "good news relative to Iraq, which generated a popular explosion of joy in the entire country."

The July 29 win, by a team made up of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, was "a historic success for Iraq, which has become the champion of Asian soccer for the first time," the pope said. Sunnis and Shiites form the largest branches of Islam, while Kurds are a smaller segment in northern Iraq.

Pope Benedict said he was impressed by the "contagious enthusiasm" of the people of Iraq, adding that, "just as I cried many times with the Iraqis, on this occasion I rejoiced with them."

Pope Benedict said the reaction of the Iraqi public to the soccer win demonstrated "the desire of the people to have a normal and serene life."
"I hope that with the support of all, the event can contribute to the realization in Iraq of a future of authentic peace in freedom and mutual respect," he said.
(CNS)