TORONTO -- Roman Catholic youth need to commit themselves to Christianity and the Catholic Church's values, according to Pope John Paul II.
The pope addressed hundreds of thousands of youth July 25 during World Youth Day in Toronto, urging them to shun society's materialistic and sinful ways and cling to the Church's teachings, according to The Associated Press.
The pope did not address the Church's sexual abuse scandal, focusing instead on encouraging the youth to be more committed to Christ and good, moral influences on their friends.
The pope's address was the highlight of the nearly weeklong gathering, during which youth heard from many Christian leaders, according to the AP.
