” “"With many thousands of young people visiting Australia at this time, it is appropriate to reflect upon the kind of world we are handing on to future generations", said the Pope, who during the Welcoming Ceremony at Government House in Sydney recurred to one of the points he made in the message he sent on his arrival in the country, recalling that "the wonder of God’s creation reminds us of the need to protect the environment and to exercise responsible stewardship of the goods of the earth". "Australia Benedict XVI recognized is making a serious commitment to address its responsibility to care for the natural environment. Likewise with regard to the human environment, this country has generously supported international peace-keeping operations, contributing to conflict resolution in the Pacific, in South-East Asia and elsewhere". "Owing to the many religious traditions represented" in the country, Australia, continued the Pope, is also a "particularly fertile ground for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue". "I look forward said Benedict XVI in this regard to meeting local representatives of different Christian communities and other religions during my stay". ” “
