Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Journey to Sydney (Australia) / World Youth Day 2008

[NOTE: This post will be continually updated throughout Benedict XVI's visit to Australia July 12-21, 2008].

Websites

• Intinerary of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Australia / World Youth Day 2008
• WYD2008.com [Official Website]
• Pope2008.com daily blogging by Tim Drake @ National Catholic Register
• World Youth Day 2008 Virtual Pilgrimage MyCatholicVoice.com
• The Daily Telegraph: World Youth Day 2008 Newspaper hub.
  

Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims after the Final Mass at Southern Cross Precinct during World Youth Day Sydney 2008 [Source: Getty Images]

Spoken Words / Addresses by Benedict XVI

Message of the Holy Father to the Young People of the World on the Occasion of the XXIII World Youth Day, 2008 Lorenzago, 20 July 2007.

• Interview of the Holy Father during the flight to Australia (July 12, 2008)
• Welcoming ceremony at Government House of Sydney (July 17, 2008)
• Welcoming celebration by the young people at Barangaroo, East Darling Harbour of Sydney (July 17, 2008)
• Ecumenical Meeting in the Crypt of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney (July 18, 2008)
• Meeting with representatives of other religions in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney (July 18, 2008)
• Prayer at the beginning of the Way of the Cross in the square in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney (July 18, 2008)
• Meeting with a group of disadvantaged young people of the rehabilitation community of the University of Notre Dame in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sydney (July 18, 2008)
• Holy Mass with the Australian Bishops, seminarians and novices (with the Consecration of the new altar) at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney (July 19, 2008)
• Vigil with the young people at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney (July 19, 2008)
• Holy Mass for the 23rd World Youth Day at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney (July 20, 2008)
• Recitation of the Angelus Domini at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney (July 20, 2008)
• Meeting with benefactors and organizers of the 23rd World Youth Day at the Reception Hall of Cathedral House and in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary's Cathedral (July 20, 2008)
• Greeting to the volunteers of the 23rd World Youth Day in the Domain of Sydney (July 21, 2008)
• Farewell ceremony at the International Airport of Sydney (July 21, 2008)

Pope Benedict XVI travels in his Pope mobile through the Southern Cross Precinct as part of the motorcade preceding his Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse [Source: Getty Images]

Coverage by John Allen, Jr.

• 7-24-08: Four Sfumature from the Pope’s trip to Sydney "While the trip produced no earthquakes, it did offer a few of what the Italians would call sfumature … small nuances that can be meaningful. This week, I offer four such "Sfumature from Sydney." These are by no means the main points of the trip, but rather smaller matters around the edges where something unexpected or revealing broke through."
• 7-20-08: WYD: Pope meets with sex abuse victims According to a Vatican statement released early Monday morning in Australia, Pope Benedict XVI has met with four victims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, listening to their stories and celebrating Mass for them.
• 7-19-08: WYD: 'New Age' spirituality, Benedict XVI style In language that was at turns almost lyrical, Pope Benedict XVI today offered a paean to “new age” spirituality – though, to be sure, certainly not of the “tune in, turn on and drop out’ variety.
• 7-19-08: WYD: Benedict the theologian offers seminar on Spirit Benedict XVI delivered what amounted to a theological exposition on the Holy Spirit – sometimes, as the pope put it, the “neglected person of the Blessed Trinity” – to a throng of young pilgrims estimated at 235,000 gathered for a vigil at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.
• 7-18-08: WYD: Pope on sex abuse: 'I am deeply sorry' Pope Benedict XVI today offered a direct apology for the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and religious, saying he is "deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," assuring them that "as their pastor, I share in their suffering."
• 7-18-08: WYD: Benedict paints his own shade of green Pope Benedict XVI continued to paint his distinctive shade of green in Australia yesterday, repeatedly voicing environmental concerns while linking them to a broader range of Christian doctrines and moral teaching.
• 7-16-08: WYD: Novelty in the air, but a classic 'Ratzingerian' message Novelty was in the air in Sydney tonight, as Pope Benedict XVI kicked off his first-ever trip Down Under by arriving in Sydney harbor aboard a cruise ship, accompanied by a 13-vessel “boat-a-cade.”
• 7-16-08: WYD: Pope lauds reconciliation with aborigines In his first public act since arriving in Sydney on Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI today praised Australia’s efforts to reconcile with its indigenous population, saying it offers “hope to peoples all over the world who long to see their rights affirmed and their contribution to society acknowledged and promoted.”
• 7-14-08: In Sydney, 'Ratzinger rules' but controversy persists Sometimes dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock," World Youth Day is the largest youth gathering held on a regular basis anywhere in the world. The event was founded by the late Pope John Paul II as a way of evangelizing young people and reenergizing the Catholic church.
• 7-13-08: WYD: Benedict XVI's family ties to Australia One Australian woman is watching Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in Australia with special interest this week: 83-year-old Erika Kopp of Melbourne is first cousin to the pontiff, and says that while others may address him as "Holy Father" or "Your Holiness," to her he will always be "Joseph."
• 7-12-08: WYD: Down Under, Benedict continues to 'go green' Pope Benedict XVI has barely arrived Down Under, and already environmentalism is emerging as one key theme of his visit to Australia for the 2008 edition of World Youth Day.
• 7-12-08: WYD: Once again, papal flight features talk of abuse crisis For the second time in a row, Benedict XVI has opened a papal trip by tackling the issue of sexual abuse in comments to reporters aboard the papal plane.

Pope Benedict XVI (R) embraces an Australian Aboriginal elder after arriving at a World Youth Day welcoming ceremony at Barangaroo [Source: Reuters]

Coverage from Catholic Bloggers

• The Pope's Words, Events and Videos for World Youth Day - Sydney 2008 - Roundup by Teresa Polk (Blog by the Sea). July 25, 2008.
• Blogging from Down Under. With the Holy Father in Sydney for WYD, by Cardinal Sean O'Malley (Boston, MA).
• Ciao, Oz! - Roundup from Wheat & Weeds 7-14-08.
• Australian Catholic John Heard on what to expect from the Holy Father. July 3, 2008.
• The New Liturgical Movement has photographs from the July 15th Mass for the Feast of St. Henry from St Augustine's Church in Balmain, Sydney as part of Juventutem's activities at World Youth Day. Glorious!
• Benedict enters Sydney - live - Stills from Benedict XVI's arrival in Sydney. What Does Prayer Really Say? (Fr. John Zuhlsdorf)

Pope Benedict XVI enters St Mary's Cathedral for Holy Mass with Australian bishops, seminarians and male and female novices [Source: Getty Images]

Media

Catholic News Service

• 7-18-08: Religious differences can't stop dialogue, pope tells Australians, by Cindy Wooden.
• 7-18-08: Youths join pope for lunch, present gifts, including Mickey Mouse hat, by Cindy Wooden.
• 7-17-08: For some, absence of Iraqis dampens joy of welcoming pope to WYD, by Dan McAloon and Cindy Wooden.
• 7-16-08: Amid the freebies, young people gravitate toward booths of religious, by Cindy Wooden.
• 7-14-08: Pope says he will apologize to Australian victims of clergy sex abuse by Cindy Wooden.

Thousands of World Youth Day pilgrims hold candles at an outdoor evening vigil [Source: Getty Images]

Zenit News

• 7-20-08: Cardinal: Youth Day Isn't "Catholic Woodstock"
• 7-20-08: Pope Prays Closing Mass Will Be New Pentecost: Urges Youth to Open Hearts to Spirit's Power
• 7-19-08: Pontiff Uses Augustine to Explain Holy Spirit: Gives Theological Explanation of Trinity
• 7-19-08: 235,000 Attend World Youth Day Vigil: Pope Tells Pilgrims Unity Is Key to Changing World
• 7-19-08: Youth Day Offers Community Life for Consecrated - Australian Nun Notes Joy at Meeting Young Religious
• 7-19-08: On a Boat With the Pope: Unforgettable - Chileans Recount Arriving With Pontiff for Youth Day
• 7-18-08: Rabbi: Youth Day Attests to Faith's Significance - Jewish Leader Welcomes Pontiff at Interreligious Gathering
• 7-18-08: Inmates Share in Youth Day Experience - Benedictine Leads Meditation to Bring Spirit Inside Prison
• 7-18-08: Cardinal Pell Making Friends - Interview With Founder of Youth Day Social Networking Site
• 7-18-08: Pope Urges Troubled Youth to Choose Life - Says They Can Be Ambassadors of Hope
• 7-17-08: Pope Arrives by Boat to World Youth Day - Tells Pilgrims: Christ Offers Everything, by Anthony Barich and Catherine Smibert
• 7-17-08: Australia's Bishops are Hoping for a Renewal
• 7-16-08: Muslims Welcome Pontiff to Sydney
• 7-16-08: Confession, Confession Everywhere - Cardinal Says Youth Day Is Reviving the Sacrament
• 7-15-08: Cardinal Pell's Homily at Youth Day Opening

Spanish pilgrims rejoice after Madrid was announced as the next venue for World Youth Day [Source: Getty Images]

AsiaNews.it

• 7-18-08: Sydney and WYD wrapped in beauty and Via Crucis prayers The Stations of the Cross were placed across the city in front of the city’s better know monuments. One hundred young actors silently mimed the Passion of Christ. Music and commentaries as well as symbols and lights guaranteed the silent participation of 200,000 young people.

Sydney Morning Herald

• One little red coat to stand out in a crowd In a sea of pilgrims, one-year-old Claire Hill, dressed in a little red coat, caught the eye of the Pope.
• From a theologian to Pope of the people The Herald's European correspondent, who will return to Rome today on the papal flight, charts the Pope's transformative week.
• First the fervour, now the reckoning Cardinal George Pell, expressed the hope that the seed planted in the Great South Land would "please God, yield a hundredfold harvest".
• Police officer's dying wish fulfilled A terminally ill police officer blessed by Pope Benedict before World Youth Day celebrations died in a Lismore hospital yesterday morning after a prolonged illness.
• A tsunami of faith and joy Pope Benedict XVI walked in the footsteps of two popes to conduct an epic outdoor Mass at Randwick racecourse in front of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. It was an event the Australian Catholic Church believes will mark the reinvigoration of the faith across the nation.
• Pope declares WYD "unforgettable experience"
• Actor moved by playing Jesus Playing Jesus in front of a global audience of 1 billion was the most memorable day of Alfio Stuto jnr's life, "apart from my wedding day, of course."
• Pope acknowledges the 'shame' It was much longed for and, when it came, Pope Benedict XVI's apology to victims of clerical abuse took everyone by surprise.
• Pope echoes our Mary, Pope Benedict XVI quoted Blessed Mary MacKillop, Australia's saint-in-waiting, last night in a call to World Youth Day pilgrims to embrace the Holy Spirit and fulfil Christ's work.
• Overwhelming demand for confessionals.

Misc. Media

• Bella the cat keeps Pope Benedict company July 14, 2008:

  A special cat has been brought in to make the devout animal lover feel completely at home during his stay at the Kenthurst retreat. It is hoped the 11-month-old kitten, named Bella, will ease any bout of homesickness the Pontiff would have felt being away from his most beloved of all pets.