Benedict XVI is encouraging the sick to take comfort in Christmas, even amidst their daily experience of Good Friday.

The Pope made this invitation at the conclusion of today’s general audience, when he offered his traditional final greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds.

“Dear young people,” he said, “may your hearts be ready to welcome Jesus, who saves us by the power of his love.”

He encouraged the sick, “who experience more keenly the weight of the cross, may the approaching Christmas feasts bring you serenity and comfort.”

Finally, the Pontiff invited newlyweds to “grow ever more in the love that Jesus came to give us by his birth.”

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2011 (Zenit.org)