SYDNEY: Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi has revealed that there is no African country that can host the World Youth Day. He was answering a question from the editor of the Leadership Magazine at a press conference at the International Media Centre of the WYD08, in Sydney last month.

“As you can see, preparations and hosting of such an event mean a lot. As far as hosting WYD in Africa is concerned, the main problems are logistical. However, there has also not been any diocese or Episcopal Conference that has applied from Africa to host such event. Perhaps it is because of the great deal of finance and security needed for all these people.”

He said Rome has a great wish to involve Africa. “But, for now there seems to be no way that that could happen. For example, there is no proper infrastructure, he pointed out. “But, we shall continue supporting the African young people to participate in the WYDs, through the solidarity fund and other means. We know how difficult it is for the young people in poor countries like those in Africa, to travel to the developed nations for such events. But, we shall support them in any way we can.”

 Pope departs Australia happy and blessed
SYDNEY: Pope Benedict XVI thanked 8,000 World Youth Day volunteers and attended a special farewell ceremony at Sydney International Airport before departing Australia for Rome on July 21. The Holy Father paused briefly for a final wave to the crowd including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, before entering the Qantas Boeing 747 for the 21-hour journey home.

Earlier, Pope Benedict thanked the WYD08 Ambassadors Carla Zampatti, Amelia Farrugia, the Delezio family, Stephen Moore, Jared Crouch, Jimmy Little and Dr John Herron, as well as the volunteers. Performers Guy Sebastian and Paulini made a show for him and special guests Archbishop of Sydney George Cardinal Pell, National Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, members of the Papal entourage and Stations of the Cross actors Alfio Stuto (Jesus) and Marina Dixon (Mary).

WYD08 coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP reflecting the occasion said, “The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit has welcomed with open arms 223,000 pilgrims – including over 110,000 from 170 nations. “We’ve accommodated 120,000 pilgrims in our schools, parishes, homes and other venues and served 3.5 million meals across around 400 venues.

He argued that though the World Youth Day week would resonate in Australian hearts for a long time, it would also be remembered forever by the young pilgrims.

Host Cardinal Pell said, “The event was seamless and for that I give thanks to the people of Sydney and Australia, and to all those who contributed to this magnificent international celebration of youth and faith. His Holiness has expressed his warm gratitude to the people of Sydney, the Australian Catholic Church, State and Federal Governments, WYD08 staff, volunteers and all others who contributed to this magnificent event.”          

Brazilian Priest found dead
RIO DE JANEIRO: The body of a Brazilian priest, who floated out over the ocean suspended by hundreds of helium-filled party balloons, was last month found off the coast of southeastern Brazil. According to police, it was the body of Fr Antonio de Carli Adelir.

It was spotted by a tugboat at sea near the city of Macae, three months after he disappeared while flying a contraption buoyed by balloons over the Atlantic Ocean in a fundraising drive. "We were almost certain that it was the priest due to various elements, such as the clothes and material used in the balloon trip," Macae's chief of police, Daniel Bandeira.

"The DNA only confirmed our suspicions," added the officer. The priest disappeared on April 20, 2008 after he called friends from his mobile phone to say he was about to crash into the ocean. He staged ‘flight’ to help raise money for a chapel for truckers in his highway parish.

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