More than a million pilgrims, 9 thousand priests jointly celebrating Mass and 800 bishops are participating, according to the organizers, in the final celebration of the 20th World Youth Day at Marienfeld. Benedict XVI was welcomed with an ovation upon his arrival in the Marienfeld area aboard his Papamobile, as the WYD hymn echoed all around. Standing and clapping their hands to the beat of the music, the youth sand and responded to the greeting so the Pope trying to come as close as possible to the stage. Some were in front of the maxi-screens while others climbed onto the shoulders of their friends to get a better view of the stage. Candles lit, flags flying in the wind, binoculars and camera zooms poised to try a get a glimpse of Benedict XVI for a few seconds. Others were intent on trying to tine their radio sets with the frequencies that broadcast the translations of the celebration. Many pilgrims hold statues of Our Lady and of the Infant Jesus.
