Pope Benedict XVI waves during his weekly Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 11, 2005. (Tony Gentile/Reuters)

Vatican City—“Do not be fearful about the future of the world,” Pope Benedict XVI told a public audience on Wednesday, May 11.

The Holy Father spoke to about 15,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, in an audience that lasted nearly two hours. The Pope stayed for some time after delivering his prepared remarks, recognizing groups of pilgrims, then greeting about 50 bishops and priests individually and exchanging a few words with each one. As the crowd lingered, young people took up the chant that is already becoming familiar around the Vatican: “Benedetto, Benedetto.”

Continuing the series of talks on the psalms and canticles that was begun by Pope John Paul II—and basing his talk on his predecessor’s notes-- Pope Benedict spoke about the “hymn of adoration and praise” from the Book of Revelation (15: 3-4). He used that passage to illustrate his argument that “the believer does not fear the future.”

“Human history is not in the hands of obscure powers, or chance, or mkerely human choices,” the Pontiff said. In spite of “the violent onslaught of Satan,” God’s power is supreme, and the Lord cares for his people. “God is not indifferent to the sufferings of mankind,” he said.

God’s action in human history has a specific purpose, the Pontiff continued: “He invites the world’s peoples to conversion.” Benedict XVI said that the world should “learn to read history as a message from God.” Those who do, he concluded, will face the future with confidence. He reminded the audience of Christ’s promise: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

In his third regular weekly public audience, Pope Benedict spent a considerable amount of time speaking with individuals and acknowledging groups in the crowd. He made a special notice of large contingents from Poland and Italy, next greeted a group of bishops, and then worked his way through the handicapped people seated at the side of his platform, giving them his blessing. Altogether the Pope spent about 40 minutes with members of the crowd, speaking to many of the faithful and blessing medals and Rosary beads.