Australian Papal itinerary announced

News Release May 30, 2008

Australian Papal itinerary announced:
Pope Benedict to land at Richmond RAAF Base for his July World Youth Day visit

With just 46 days to go until World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08), the itinerary of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was released today by the Holy See Press Office in the Vatican.

The itinerary includes all of the engagements that the Pope will attend including official meetings with the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery; Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; NSW Governor Marie Bashir; and NSW Premier Morris Iemma.

His Holiness will arrive at Richmond RAAF Base on Sunday 13 July. He will then spend a few days resting before his official welcome into Sydney on Thursday 17 July on Sydney Harbour and Barangaroo.

Immediately before the Final Mass on Sunday 20 July, His Holiness will also do a fly-over in a helicopter above Centennial Park and Randwick Racecourse, before getting into the ‘Popemobile’ and circuiting the precinct.

This week, WYD08 organisers outlined several Papal encounters including a private lunch with 12 young people, a meeting with disadvantaged and at-risk youth and meetings with Christian leaders and the heads of other faith traditions.

The detailed itinerary also includes an official welcome at Government House, Sydney, a Thank You to volunteers in the Domain and an official farewell at Sydney airport.

“His Holiness has a very full schedule on his first visit to Australia,” said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator WYD08.

“He has requested specific meetings in order to connect with the full range of Australian youth and the youth of the world.

“As a Head of State, he will also be conducting several official meetings with civic leaders,” he said.

The Papal itinerary is available on the Vatican website: www.vatican.va

ENDS

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