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POPE ARRIVES IN THE HARBOUR IN BARANGAROO

By Andrew Rabel

In scenes reminiscent of the last World Youth Day in Cologne, Pope Benedict arrived in Barangaroo on Sydney harbour on the cruiser Sydney 2000, part of the so called boat-a-cade.

He was received by crowds throughout Sydney of up to 500,000 persons marking the start of his official pilgrimage for WYD08.

Before commencing the Papal Boat-a-cade to Barangaroo, Pope Benedict sent out his daily text message: "The Holy Spirit is the principal agent of salvation history: let him write your life-history 2! - BXVI"

Thousands of people came to have a glimpse of the Pope at Rose Bay, as the cruiser toured the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. Benedict seemed very impressed as the boat went by the iconic Sydney Opera House, which was bathed in beautiful sunlight.

Accompanying the Holy Father on the Sydney 2000 were 530 persons, including 60 Cardinals and Bishops, 160 WYD pilgrims and 20 young persons who on the giant TV screens at Barangaroo, could be seen engaging in light hearted conversation with the Pope.

When he arrived in Barangaroo at 3:30 pm east of Darling Harbour, the reception he was given was like that of a rock star by the crowd, supporting the thesis of some who call World Youth Day, the Catholic Woodstock.

The Holy Father was welcomed by Cardinal George Pell, and Archbishop Phillip Wilson of Adelaide, President of the Australian Bishops Conference. The Holy Father was accompanied by his Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and his private secretary Msgr Georg Ganswein and master of liturgical ceremonies, Msgr Guido Marini.

Cardinal Pell in his address talked about this being a historical occasion likening it to the arrival of Cardinal Moran on the Liguria in 1884, when he also was greeted with thousands of people on the foreshore.

Pell also said in reference to Pope Benedict, "We welcome you as a man of faith and prayer, a man of learning and a famous teacher, who for decades has entered into dialogue with the other voices of our pluralist democracies. We welcome you as a priest and bishop."

Archbishop Wilson said, "Looking out at this wonderful sight, of the youth of the world, drawn together in faith and love, we are all filled with hope – the true Christian hope that you have spoken so beautifully about in your Encyclical Spe Salvi."

Pope Benedict who again was serenaded by Aboriginal dancers drew attention to the issue of lukewarm Christians saying, "Others of you perhaps hover at the edge of parish life. To you I wish to offer encouragement: step forward into Christ’s loving embrace: recognize the Church as your home. No one need remain on the outside, for from the day of Pentecost the Church has been one and universal."

He also admonished prevailing views on the importance of religion saying, "When God is eclipsed, our ability to recognize the natural order, purpose and the 'good' begins to wane."

The crowd at this World Youth Day seems every day to be going one notch up in terms of enthusiasm, auguring very well for the weekend climax. The good weather that has accompanied WYD so far in the first one ever to be held in winter seemed to be an answer to prayer.

At 5 pm the Pope boarded his vehicle, making the journey back to St Mary’s Cathedral through Sydney’s Central Business District, and for the entire trip pilgrims lined the route the Mercedes travelled as darkness prevailed upon the city.

Andrew Rabel, an Australian journalist, is covering the Pope's trip to Australia.

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Inside The Vatican (ISSN 1068-8579) is a Catholic news magazine, published monthly except July and September, with occasional special supplements.