(from our correspondents in Australia) "Initially Australian aborigines were not even considered humans, but the Church, through her missionaries, was the one institution that took an interest in them ever since the start of the history of this country", said Bishop Anthony Fisher, WYD coordinator in Sydney, at a press conference at which he emphasized the importance of the aboriginal presence. As is well known, the WYD organizing committee wished to mark some of the key moments of the programme with an aboriginal presence, such as the opening mass or the welcome to the Pope in Sydney Harbour on Thursday, when it will be a boat of the inhabitants of the Island of Torres that will receive Benedict XVI. Other signs will include the presence, in the pilgrimage of the Cross and the Marian icon in Australia, of the message stick used to invite aborigines to WYD. WYD will also be an event that will have a great environmental impact, in view of the huge numbers of participants: "that’s why explained Fisher we are promoting an initiative, in agreement with the airlines, to plant trees to offset the carbon footprint of greenhouse gas emissions". As far as pilgrims’ meals are concerned, only biodegradable packaging will be used, batteries distributed will be recyclable and showers in hostels and parishes, where pilgrims are being housed, will be fitted with timers. Youth are using public transport and so they ought not to increase pollution in the city". ” ” ” ” ” “
