| Almost 123,000 pilgrims have confirmed they are coming to World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08), with registrations well on track to achieving 225,000 registered pilgrims. WYD08 organisers say 85,000 individuals have so far registered online, including some 30,000 Australians.
Additionally, WYD08 has received financial commitments from several large national Bishops Conferences, including the Italian Bishops Conference (11,000 pilgrims); the Polish Bishops Conference (3,000); the French Bishops Conference (3,800); the German Bishops Conference (3,000); and an additional 17,000 from the widely followed Neo-Catechumenal Way who are still in the process of completing their online registrations.
The total to date is 93,000 international registrants and 30,000 domestic registrants. A significant number of paper applications are also currently being processed. “We are excited to welcome the youth of the world to Sydney for this magnificent occasion,” said Danny Casey, WYD08 Chief Operating Officer.
“We are on track to achieve our estimated number of overseas pilgrims,” he said. The top 10 countries by registration are: Australia, the USA, Italy, Germany, Philippines, New Zealand, Spain, France, Mexico and Canada.
“Our advice from Rome is that the typical scenario of past World Youth Days is that the majority of pilgrims register in the last few months,” Mr Casey said. “Our official tour operator, Harvest Tours, has bookings for 48,000 pilgrims.”
Mr Casey said the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has processed some 21,000 visa applications, with 4,000 applications awaiting approval from the Department and an additional 25,000 have commenced their visa process through the WYD08 website. “About 30% of all pilgrims will not need a visa, including those from New Zealand.
“We are encouraging all pilgrim Group Leaders to complete their registrations to avoid processing difficulties for the Department. “Our one message is – don’t miss out on the event of this lifetime! Register to attend at www.wyd2008.org and join the youth of the world in this great celebration.”
Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15 – 20 July this year. Organised by the Catholic Church but open to all, the event will mark the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.
Anita Sulentic
Media Manager
World Youth Day Sydney 2008
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