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Pope in Loreto Loreto - Arriving in Loreto on Saturday, the first of September, 2007, in the striking natural amphitheatre of Montorso, Pope Benedict XVI was welcomed to the joyous singing of more than 400,000 young people. Their colorful banners, blowing freely in the wind, were the sign of freshness and of the beauty of this day. The encounter had its most beautiful moment in the dialogue that developed between the Pope and the young people. Benedict XVI listened to their songs, to their testimonies, answered their questions and they, the young people, listened and embraced all that this Pontiff said.
 At 9:15 p.m., Benedict XVI entered the Basilica, welcomed by the Rector, Br. Marzio Calletti, OFMCap and his Delegate S.E. Monsignor Gianni Danzi who accompanied him to the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Mary, the Virgin of Nazareth. Here the Holy Father prayed in silence at first, then through a televised linkup, to the prayer vigil of the young people. Before he left the Basilica, the Pope met with the Capuchin Friars, guardians of the House of Mary since around 1559. It was Pope Pius XI, who in 1934, placed the sanctuary under the direct administration of the Holy See and named His Delegate, who officially entrusted the pastoral care and liturgy of the Sanctuary to the Capuchin Friars.
 After receiving the greetings of the Minister General, Br. Mauro Jöhri (who on this day also celebrated his 60th birthday – and may the Virgin of Loreto sustain his ministry) who was accompanied by the Minister of the province of the Marches, Br. Gianni Pioli, the Pope, in an outdoor program, wished to speak with the friars who had gathered in the German Chapel. He thanked them for their presence and for their dedication to the sacramental ministry of Reconciliation and the welcoming of pilgrims. He then added that he knew well the “Capuchin Fathers” because from the time of his infancy he listened and learned when, very frequently, they were present in his parish for preaching and the sacramental life.
 The following day, Sunday the 2nd of September, the Holy Father celebrated the Eucharist with 500,000 young people, coming from every part of Italy, and also from every part of Europe. This number superseded the estimate of the previous day. Many of the groups were guided by the Capuchin friars. As the Pope stated ‘the Church is young people “!
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