SYDNEY, Australia, OCT. 24, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Vatican representatives and a 200-member international delegation visited Australia to have a look at the venues for next July's World Youth Day, and said they were pleased with the preparations.
Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko led the delegation from the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the dicastery that oversees World Youth Day preparations and promotes the initiative around the world.
The cardinal expressed his appreciation for the Church in Sydney and its archbishop, Cardinal George Pell, as well as the organizing committee, headed by Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher. Cardinal Rylko also thanked the civil authorities, noting that "right from the beginning, [they have] been very open and supportive of this initiative."
The delegates received briefings on World Youth Day '08 planning and operations, and provided organizers with advice and feedback. They visited Randwick Racecourse, where Benedict XVI will celebrate a vigil and the closing Mass on July 20.
ZE07102406 - 2007-10-24