Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – Today, July 18, has been an intense day for Benedict XVI at the 23rd World Youth Day, one full of important events. Among the events that were held today were an ecumenical meeting, a meeting with leaders of other religious communities, and a solemn Way of the Cross, celebrated with thousands of pilgrims present in Sydney.
Benedict XVI’s approach to the meeting with religious leaders has been met with great consensus by the Australian nation, a land that is known for its pluralism and variety of religions and cultures. The Pope reflected on the role of religions, once again focusing on care for the environment, highlighting the virtue of “temperance” (see the other article of Fides 18/7/2008), speaking on terms that could be fully appreciated by all the other leaders. During the encounter, he also mentioned the value of religious freedom, the fundamental right of every believer, which in Australia is fully protected.
Benedict XVI also presided an ecumenical meeting, with representatives of other Christian churches, encouraging them to always maintain a spirit of dialogue (see other article of Fides 18/7/2008).
The Holy Father met with the civil authorities and, according to WYD tradition, he ate lunch with 12 young people from the United States, New Zealand, Spain, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Congo, Brazil, France, and Korea.
Later in the day, Benedict XVI traveled to St. Mary’s Cathedral where, in the Crypt, he presided the praying of the First Station of the Way of the Cross for the young people. The rest of the Stations were prayed along the streets of the city, with the WYD Cross that for months has been travelling around the world, visiting youth on all the continents. Thousands of youth present in Sydney participated in the event, which has been a visible sign of witness for the entire population of the Australian capital. Many of the city’s sites were situated along the way of the Stations: the Domain, the Art Gallery, Barangaroo Dock, Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House.
The Way of the Cross, WYD organizers said, was followed by 500 million people all over the world through television and internet.
In the meantime, WYD pilgrims continue their daily schedule with prayer, catechesis given by the Bishops, encounters, evening concerts, etc. The great event has been marked by two complementary initiatives for WYD: “World Youth Festival,” which is celebration with scheduled theatrical performances and concerts in various places throughout the city, and the “Vocation Expo,” an exhibition with participants from all over the world, displaying the true sense of vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage/family life. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/07/2008)
