46 days after its beginning, today the Holy See made known the route and the programme of Benedict XVI for the World Youth Day in Sydney (15th to 20th July). The programme includes also the official meetings of the Pope with the general governor of Australia, Michael Jeffery, with Premier Kevin Rudd, with the governor of New South Wales (NSW), Marie Bashir, and with the premier of NSW, Morris Iemma. Benedict XVI will arrive in the air base of Richmond on Sunday, 13th July. He will spend a few days of rest before the official ceremony of welcome in Sydney, on Thursday 17th July, at the bay of the city and in Barangaroo. On Sunday, 20th July, Benedict XVI will reach the hippodrome of Randwick by helicopter. It is the place of the waking and the final Mass. Here, from the Pope car, he will greet the youth there present. Among other dates, the programme includes also meetings with youth at risk in Sydney, a dinner with 12 young people representing the five Continents, and the thanking of volunteers. "The agenda is full of dates", commented the bishop coordinating the World Youth Day, Msgr. Anthony Fisher, "required by the Pope himself, who wished to meet as many Australian and World youth as possible". ” ” ” ” ” “
