For some, absence of Iraqis dampens joy of welcoming pope to WYD

Published: 2008-07-17

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- For some participants at World Youth Day, the joy of welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the World Youth Day celebration July 17 was dampened by the absence of a Chaldean Catholic delegation from Iraq. Salina Hasham, a World Youth Day employee, has been working for months trying to get the 170-member Iraqi delegation to Sydney. At first, it seemed the Australian government would not issue any visas to the group, Hasham said. Then 10 visas were granted and, finally, a total of 25 visas were approved. But as of July 17, she said, "they are stuck in Iraq. They have been at the airport for days, but flight after flight has been canceled." Hasham said the Iraqi youths were committed to celebrating World Youth Day even if they have to do it by praying together at home and organizing their own events. "But the 25 (who received visas) are still keen to represent their country in Sydney," she said. Hasham expressed hope that they will arrive before the July 20 closing Mass.

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