(From our correspondents in Sydney) As regards the costs of WYD Bishop Fisher explained that "the federal government has made available 86 million Australian dollars in the form of such services as police, security, public venues and transport. In addition, some tens of millions have come from sponsors and benefactors, but so far we don’t have a precise figure. The Australian Church has made a contribution of 150 million dollars but that sum includes the amounts paid in by pilgrims. In total WYD will cost 160 million dollars (approx. 110 million euros)". "The commitment has been great, but Sydney has opened its arms to the world and we are happy that those who are with us here include a large contingent of 4500 from New Zealand, 2000 from Papua New Guinea, and other groups from Samoa and Fiji, countries that perhaps have never before been able to participate in WYD. And we’re also happy that the threatened protests have not materialized; besides the joy of these days is such that there is no reason to do so. However, if there are protests we are sure they will be peaceful and without any police intervention. Everyone has the right to express his own opinion".
