More News from WYD!

Pope Benedict XVI left the Kenthurst retreat center today and moved to Sydney where tomorrow he will attend World Youth Day.
Before departing Kenthurst, the Pope met with a dozen young zookeepers from the Sydney Zoo, which houses a number of typically Australian animals. Benedict XVI, visibly intrigued and amused, touched each animal one by one. Before his departure, the zoo workers presented the Holy Father with a stuffed koala toy.

The Welcome Ceremony, which includes the entry of the Holy Father by ship into Sydney's Rose Bay, will be held tomorrow.

The various groups of pilgrims, who have already been hosted for some days in cities across the country, will begin to gather in downtown Sydney today for prayer meetings and catechesis, and times of friendship and socializing. The local Catholic parishes and schools are prepared to welcome and house them, as well as an Islamic institute which will house mostly Latin American pilgrims.