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Local crowds welcome the Pope

MEET the curious and the faithful who turned out to catch a glimpse of Pope Benedict land in Australia.

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THE guest of honour was Pope Benedict XVI, there was a gentle stroll around the gardens and the centrepiece of the meal was a large chocolate cake filled with individual chocolates.

Cardinal George Pell and World Youth Day co-ordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher travelled to the Pontiff`s temporary residence at the Kenthurst Study Centre yesterday for lunch with the Pope a day before the official opening of World Youth Day.

After a short walk around the grounds, the trio enjoyed a German-influenced lunch, at which the Holy Father demonstrated a wide-reaching knowledge of the nation.

Bishop Fisher said he was very impressed by the depth of Pope Benedict`s comments and that his knowledge of Australian culture exceeded that of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.

"He knew about the state of the church and the spirituality of young people whom he`s coming to talk to while he`s here," he said.

"I was surprised at how well-informed he was.

"I met Pope John Paul II several times and I get a real sense that Pope Benedict knows more about Australia than his predecessor did.

"I think he`s read more, received more reports over the years and he knows the Australian situation very well, I think."

Bishop Fisher said the subjects discussed included World Youth Day events and the state of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Bishop Fisher said the 81-year-old was in excellent spirits and had recovered from the 21-hour flight from Rome.

"He seemed to me to be very fit - considering his age, he`s quite remarkable," he said.

"He was happy. He`s got no bags under his eyes - he`s had a good rest and I think he`s loving his time here."

Bishop Fisher said the Pope had taken an active interest in the planning for World Youth Day.

"He was asking all sorts of questions about each of the different events - I didn`t get a sense of one over the other - I just think he`s delighted to be here and very excited about the week ahead."

Elsewhere, masses of cheering pilgrims gathering to greet the official World Youth Day Cross and Icon as they crossed the Harbour on the bow of a Manly ferry.

Chanting "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Oi, Oi, Oi" and waving their arms, the 500-strong crowd met the 3.8m-tall Cross and Icon - a modern copy of an ancient painting featuring Mary and baby Jesus - cheering and singing hymns.

On the final leg of their year-long journey around Australia, the symbols of faith sailed from Manly to Circular Quay before being hoisted on to the shoulders of pilgrims and carried through the CBD.

Office workers and shoppers lined Pitt St to watch the parade as hundreds of pilgrims clamoured for a turn to carry the Cross, known as the "Olympic Torch" of WYD.

The Cross, built in 1983, was given to the youth of the world the next year by Pope John Paul II.

It has travelled the world since "as a symbol of Christ`s love for humanity". Many pilgrims were moved to tears after touching the symbols.

Embracing her fellow pilgrims, her eyes full of tears, Araceli Vallanta stood silently as she surveyed them. So moved was the Texan woman that she remained by their side for more than 45 minutes.

The experience also overwhelmed Stefania Condemi, 34. The Italian said she was crying because "it feels very special for everyone from all over the world to come together for the one reason - Jesus."

For Brisbane`s Dominic Allan, 25, being part of WYD was a huge high. "You can feel the vibe already."

Dressed in Polish national costumes, Powel Kidon and Mateusz Konopka, both 20, jumped at the chance to carry the Cross.

"The tradition of carrying the Cross and Icon around the world to every community was started by Pope John Paul II, who was Polish," Mr Kidon said. "I was very proud to continue his legacy."

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