According to a US Catholic newspaper, Pope Benedict XVI may visit Sydney Australia in 2008 for World Youth Day celebrations. The celebration is expected to attract 250,000 visitors which can attract more people than largest event Sydney Olympic in 2000.
The online edition of US newspaper National Catholic Reporter (NCR) said Sydney had won the right to host the Catholic Church’s biggest global festival. However, the Catholic Church in Sydney said it could not confirm the report yet.
"We haven't had any confirmation that it has been awarded to Sydney and it won't be confirmed until August 21," a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Sydney said, "We believe that we have the capacity in Sydney and throughout Australia to host this gathering; the spiritual strength, the organizational expertise and financial resources necessary. The benefits for Australia, both socially and spiritually will be enormous."
Cardinal Pell, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, met the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome on July 9 to discuss Sydney's bid. A decision on the successful country will be announced on August 21.