Sydney (Matthew Fenwick), 16 July 2008:
Sydney is awash with pilgrims for Australia's World Youth Day celebrations with Pope Benedict XVI, as the pontiff, on the third day of his visit, turned his attention to a koala, a wallaby and a python as he was introduced to different species of animals from the country.
More than 150 000 young people from over 40 countries flocked to Sydney's Darling Harbour on 15 July for the opening Mass, led by Cardinal George Pell, the most senior of Australia's Roman Catholic clergy. But authorities said that more than 500 000 were expected to attend Benedict's visit to Australia's biggest city on 17 July.
Win for activists
Anti-papal activists in Australia had on 15 July won the acceptance of a court to annoy Catholic pilgrims at the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney after the court upheld the protestors' rights to hand out condoms. The decision, by the Australian Federal Court, struck down a law specially introduced by New South Wales state that could have fined anyone up to 5000 Australian dollars for "causing annoyance" to the pilgrims who have flocked to Sydney.
After the court ruling, Rachel Evans, a protester from the No To Pope Coalition who brought the case, hailed the decision and began started handing out condoms. "We're not seeking to annoy or inconvenience anyone," she was quoted as saying by The Times newspaper of London. She was wearing a T-shirt that said, "The Pope is wrong, put a condom on," in a protest against Catholic opposition to using prophylactics for birth control.
The Catholic Church's World Youth Day runs from 15 to 20 July, and, throughout the event, pilgrims will gather for teaching, to share their faith, and to participate in public liturgy.
The opening Mass began with a parade of national flags through the crowd of pilgrims at Sydney's Darling Harbour. A procession of the world's Catholic bishops followed, taking their seats on the main stage. Indigenous singers and dancers performed for the gathering, as did pop artists and classical musicians.
Pope Benedict XVI was not present at the Mass, having arrived in Australia the previous day after a 20-hour flight.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was, however, present for the event and welcomed the participants in several languages, to cheers from the crowd.
Rudd: faith and reason
"You are here for this great celebration of life, this great celebration of faith and this great celebration of hope," he said. Rudd also emphasised the legitimate role of faith in public life. "Some say there is no place for faith in the 21st century, I say they are wrong," stated Rudd. "Some say faith is the enemy of reason, I say also they are wrong, because faith and reason are great partners in our human history and in our future."
Three hundred roads throughout central Sydney have been closed for the event. The New South Wales government has advised local workers to stay at home, or take public transport to avoid the congestion. "The only car we want to see in the city tomorrow is a popemobile,'' New South Wales spokesperson Kristina Keneally was quoted as saying.
Many Sydney residents regarded the celebrations with bemusement. "It doesn't really affect me, but I guess it's nice to see so many different people getting together," a street vendor told Ecumenical News International.
