"A wonderful experience": that’s how Benedict XVI described his Australian week, on greeting the volunteers of the 23rd World Youth Day in Sydney’s Domain public park. "A truly memorable week" in which the Pope was able to "experience the warmth and the generosity of Australian hospitality, and also see something of the wonderful landscape of this beautiful continent". Everything, he said, had gone smoothly thanks to the "great effort of preparation and prompt work during the period that preceded WYD". "I wish to thank you all said the pontiff for your generous commitment of time and the energy you put into it, to permit the holding, without any hitches, of the events we celebrated together". The perfect organization also produced further effects: "Your efforts prepared the ground to enable the Spirit to descend with strength, forge bonds of unity and friendship among young people coming from profoundly different cultural backgrounds, and strengthen their love for Christ and for his Church". (to be continued)
