Pope Benedict Arrives in Australia
Posted on: Sunday, 13 July 2008, 15:00 CDT
Pope Benedict XVI says he will try to heal the scars inflicted by clergy sexual abuse during his Australian pilgrimage for World Youth Day celebrations.
The Pope arrived Sunday at a military base near Sydney and was greeted by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the Voice of America reported. Officials said the pontiff would spend the early part of this week resting and recovering from the 20-hour flight from the Vatican before participating in World Youth Day activities.
Pope Benedict told reporters traveling with him on his plane that he would work during his trip to promote healing and reconciliation with the victims of clergy sexual abuse. Then he will preside over the 23rd World Youth Day, which is expected to attract more visitors to Sydney than the Olympic Games in 2000 between Thursday and its conclusion July 20.
Vatican officials say the Catholic festival will draw 500,000 people into the center of Sydney, whose streets will host dozens of concerts, the VOA said.
Source: United Press International
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