The Bonn Hofgarten is filled with flags from all over the world and banners in all languages, where Monsignor Franz Joseph Bode, President of the Episcopal Commission for Young People of the German Bishops’ Conference, is celebrating Mass for the official opening of the World Youth Day. Security officers spoke of 40 to 50 thousand people. In the first row there are celebrant priests and bishops. The Rome diocese banner stands among the banners: "With Benedict XVI are co-operators of the truth". On the stage there is a choir who is livening up the celebration accompanied by an orchestra whilst a translator for the deaf explains what is being said. Before the beginning of the Mass and after the welcome speech by the bishop, the arrival of the cross in Cologne was displayed on the maxi screen and on video link. The young people are all sitting down on the lawn in the Hofgarten and following the Mass in silence while the sky cleared finally letting the sun come out after days of bad weather.
