Pope to spend 10 days, including 3 of rest, on July trip to Australia

Published: 2008-05-02

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- The Catholic Church in Australia and organizers of World Youth Day in Sydney have identified a "serene, beautiful and suitable" place in Australia for Pope Benedict XVI to rest for three full days in July before joining the youth gathering. While refusing to identify the place for reasons of privacy and security, Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, World Youth Day coordinator, said the pope would have "the opportunity to see some of Australia's beautiful flora and fauna." Passionist Father Ciro Benedettini, assistant director of the Vatican press office, said May 2 the place chosen was near Sydney. Pope Benedict will leave Rome July 12, stop briefly in Darwin, Australia, July 13 for refueling, then proceed to Sydney, Father Benedettini said. The pope will spend July 14-16 resting and recovering from jet lag, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. Pope Benedict will be involved in World Youth Day activities July 17-20 and will leave Sydney July 21.

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