CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy -- Looking ahead to World Youth Day celebrations in Toronto, Pope John Paul II said the gathering would bring hope to a world darkened by the events of Sept. 11 and by conflict in the Holy Land.

The pope said he was making the trip so he could once again personally experience World Youth Day's "pilgrimage of fraternity across the planet." He said he wanted to pray and rejoice with the 250,000 young people expected to attend, and help make it an encounter of faith.

The pope made the remarks during a Sunday blessing at his summer home outside Rome July 21, two days before he was to begin a 10-day trip to Canada, Guatemala and Mexico.

In Arlington, diocesan pilgrims received a blessing July 22 from Oblate Father Mark Mealey before leaving from St. Luke Church in McLean for the trip north. They will return July 29.

Looking rested and alert after nearly two weeks at the papal villa, the pope said that, for a week, Toronto would become the "world capital of youth, who are the future and the hope of the church and humanity."

"The tragic events of last Sept. 11 and the conflict in the Holy Land have thrown a dark shadow upon the world. But Jesus urges his disciples not to be afraid, and repeats to them: 'You are the salt of the earth. ... You are the light of the world,'" he said, citing the Gospel passage that inspired the theme of this year's World Youth Day.

"The young Christians who will meet in Toronto are ready to respond to Christ: 'Here we are. Without fear and inspired by your words, we will cast out the net of the Gospel,'" he said.

The pope thanked the thousands of Canadians who are providing lodging for young visitors in their homes, and for those who have worked to prepare the World Youth Day events.