Pope Speaks to 500,000 in Sydney

About half a million people greeted Pope Benedict XVI in Australia’s biggest city at his first public appearance for World Youth Day.

The pontiff crossed Sydney Harbor accompanied by a flotilla of vessels before disembarking to address the throng of pilgrims on the shore in the Barangaroo neighborhood.

In his speech, Benedict called on young people to work to preserve both the natural environment and the social environment, Catholic World News reported. He said they will learn that life offers more than new experience and personal gratification.

Christ offers more! he said. Indeed he offers everything!

The pope paid tribute to Australia’s aboriginal inhabitants, to the government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for apologizing for the country’s treatment of the Aborigines and to the beauty of Sydney Harbor and its landmarks like the Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

Benedict arrived in Australia Sunday and spent several days in rest and reflection at a religious house near Sydney.