” “After three years of preparation, the joy of the German Church in officially opening the 20th World Youth Day with the celebration this afternoon of three Masses in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn. "Finally the moment has come said Card. Joachim Meisner, Arch-Bishop of Cologne to the journalists in addressing the press conference that marked the beginning the WYD. The whole city is full of young people. They have come from all over the world to celebrate the presence of God in the midst of His people, demonstrating that they have taken up the legacy of John Paul II and that they wish to continue with the new Pope. We are truly in the presence of a WYD presided over by two Popes: one from Heaven and one on Earth". "John Paul II, went on Meisner would have wanted to be here in Cologne. I am convinced that he is looking down from Heaven". In the Cardinal’s opinion, the figures are evidence of this "special protection" over the event: the 400 thousand people who have registered (105 thousand being German), 760 bishops of whom 63 are cardinals, 7 thousand accredited journalists. On the days preceding the WYD, 120 thousand youth from 170 Countries were hosted by the families of the German dioceses. An "overwhelming" experience, commented Cardinal Karl Lehmann, president of the German Bishops’ Conference, while the chairman of the Bishops’ Committee for Youth, Msgr. Franz-Joseph Bode, speaks of "touching scenes" in describing "the youth walking up to the cathedral, kneeling in front of the altar and praying in silence". "This says Msgr. Joseph Clements, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Lay People is evidence of the fact that the WYD is not a flash in the pan but an ongoing appointment. It will also be the doorway through which Benedict XVI will reach the hearts of the youth and I am sure he will be welcomed with great enthusiasm".
