On greeting Pope Benedict XVI, on board the boat called "RheinEnergie", Cardinal Karl Lehmann, President of the German Bishops’ Conference, recalled how already since Tuesday in Cologne with the WYD "we are having experience of the universal Church through all those young people from all over the world and with different backgrounds". "Now, however he added you are the visible and tangible sign and link of our mutual union. We know that you with your presence will help us to reach the target of the WYD, to strenghten our faith, make visible the hope of good and salvation for the whole of mankind, as well as build a world of justice and peace, and not least through our love for the poor, the marginalised and those who are suffering. Likewise we hope these days should strengthen the christian spirit in our country and in Europe".