Australia releases coins, stamps to commemorate papal visit for WYD

Published: 2008-03-04

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- Australia has released a special series of coins and postage stamps to commemorate Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Australia for World Youth Day in Sydney as organizers confirmed new details of the July 15-20 events. Australia Post released one domestic stamp and two international stamps with the pope's picture and the World Youth Day 2008 logo. A limited edition of gold- and silver-coated World Youth Day stamps, the first stamps of their kind to be produced by Australia Post for an event, were also released March 4. The Perth Mint released limited gold and silver 1-ounce coins depicting Pope Benedict, the World Youth Day logo and the inscription "World Youth Day Sydney 2008" on the reverse side. John Watkins, a member of the Australian state of New South Wales' Legislative Assembly, announced that Pope Benedict will stay in the residence of Sydney Cardinal George Pell. The residence is located next to St. Mary's Cathedral, which will be the focus of eucharistic adoration during World Youth Day; authorities envision a massive security and logistical exercise to cope with the pope's stay.

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