(From our correspondents in Sydney) – The huge crowds of people gathering along Sydney’s streets as Benedict XVI passes by "is a sign of great warmth and friendliness". Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, commented, describing the Holy Father’s morning, which started with the welcome ceremony and then continued with a visit to the Blessed Mary McKillop’s chapel. Benedict XVI then met with the governor and prime minister, with whom he had separate talks. "The governor" Father Lombardi revealed mostly spoke about environmental and drought-related problems. He focused on food, water and energy as three essential elements for which we have to behave responsibly". The pope, on his part, also mentioned the importance of the "energy of the Spirit", which is "necessary for society’s good development". With the prime minister, instead, talks mostly focused on "cultural-religious subjects" and interreligious dialogue. Concerning this last point, Benedict XVI referred to "the values shared amongst the various religious communities to serve the cause of peace".
