MAKE A DIFFERENCE, POPE TELLS YOUTHS

ST. LOUIS -- Pope John Paul II knows how to reach young people in America.

His message urging them to make a difference in the world was received with cheers and shouts of joy.

His remarks about training for a life of devotion to the church even had references to every major sport from baseball to hockey.

The pope spoke Tuesday night at a prayer service and youth rally at Kiel Center, which substitutes as home for the St. Louis Blues hockey team.

The youths could barely be quieted when the pontiff arrived at 6:45 p.m., about 30 minutes behind schedule.

But they weren't upset by the delay. They were delighted that the pope had chosen to spend an evening with them.

Cheers erupted for several minutes after the pontiff said the night belonged to the young people.

The day was one of much anticipation and waves of excitement, beginning with a morning march to the Papal Plaza.

It was a day filled with memories that would last a lifetime.

The pope urged youths from around the world to "train themselves to devotion" so that they can be a light to the world.

He said: "In the days and weeks and years ahead, for as long as you remember this evening, remember that the pope came to the United States, to the city of St. Louis to call the young people of America to Christ, to invite you to follow him."

Hundreds of youths from Catholic parishes in Southeast Missouri heard the pope as he spoke. They were joined by others from several foreign countries including Argentina and Mexico and nearly every state in the union.

The march and rally presented a picture of the unity of the church, said Keith Whitworth of Cape Girardeau.

Whitworth spent the day videotaping events in the Papal Plaza to be used in a documentary for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

"It renews your faith and belief in the Catholic Church," he said. "It shows the stability and unity, and that's a good indication of what the future of the Catholic Church will be like."

In some regards, the tradition of the church will never change. The message in the music remains the same even though the sounds are changing.

The pop sounds of Rebecca St. James and Christian rappers DC Talk aren't exactly what you would expect at Sunday Mass, but they were big hits with the youths. Bands played throughout the day at both Kiel and the plaza.

And the reaction of the youths as they watched the leader of their church arrive in Missouri was one of reverence and respect.

A hush fell over the crowds inside Kiel as the youths watched the pope's 1:20 p.m. arrival at Lambert Airport.

The 78-year-old pontiff showed no signs of his age or ailing health as he descended from his plane, Shepherd One, and walked into the National Guard hangar at the airport.

He was then greeted by President Clinton and the first lady, Gov. Mel Carnahan and his wife, Jean. Several other state, local and church officials also attended.

Bishop John Leibrecht of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese also attended the pope's arrival before heading to Kiel for the youth service.

"I was glad to see that he didn't use a cane," Leibrecht said in an interview with the Southeast Missourian. "He was moving a little slower, but it showed he was strong enough to be here."

During short remarks at the airport, the pontiff urged the citizens of the United States to "open wide their hearts to the ever-increasing plight and needs of other people less fortunate."

He said the world is in a time of trial "and America is not immune. These are tests of national character."

Before departing the airport, the pope spoke for about 20 minutes in a private meeting with Clinton.

The pontiff made no specific remarks about the president's ongoing impeachment trial but stressed the importance of religious freedom, peace and justice around the world. He said the nation's leaders were in his prayers.

Jessica Summary, a freshman at Notre Dame High School, put the day in perspective when she said, "The whole thing is exciting."

It didn't matter to the young people whether they waited for hours to see the pope. They were just thrilled by the thought of seeing "Il Papa."

Though it would seem like his age would be a barrier for communication with youths, the pope still has a way with young people, Leibrecht said.

"It's an ability I'm envious of," the bishop said. "They have an amazing identification with him."

Church bells rang and onlookers along the parade route cheered "John Paul II, we love you" as the popemobile passed through the streets.