My family background was deeply Christian.

It's not enough to attend church and pray every Sunday; you have to act.

People are needed to take up the challenge, strong people, who proclaim the truth, throw it in people's faces, and do what they can with their own two hands.

When they are assailed by despair, young people should let universal concerns into their lives.

My family background was deeply Christian.

The process of my transformation came to a head with my discovery of St. Francis of Assisi during a pilgrimage I went on with a scout troop from my school.

It's true that humanity has seen a succession of crises, wars and atrocities, but this negative side is offset by advances in technology and cultural exchanges.