WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. Up to 225,000 registered pilgrims are expected to take part in WYD08 events each day, including 125,000 international visitors—more than the 2000 Olympics.

Tuesday 15 July 2008

4.30pm-6.30pm Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell at Barangaroo

Youth Festival events

Wednesday 16 July

9.00am-12.00pm Catechesis (teaching) sessions at over 250 locations across Sydney Youth Festival events

Thursday 17 July 2008

9.00am-12.00pm Catechesis (teaching) sessions 2.45pm Papal Boat-a-cade on Sydney Harbour

3.30pm-4.30pm Papal Arrival at Barangaroo

4.30pm-5.30pm Papal Motorcade through Sydney CBD streets

Youth Festival events

Friday 18 July 2008

9.00am-12.00pm Catechesis (teaching) sessions

3.00-6.00pm Stations of the Cross - a re-enactment of the last moments of Jesus' life

Youth Festival events

Saturday 19 July 2008

5.30am Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse

7.00pm-9.00pm Evening Vigil with the Pope and sleep out under the stars at Southern Cross Precinct  

Sunday 20 July 2008

9am, Papal flyover and motorcade through Southern Cross Precinct

10am, Final Mass celebrated by the Pope, Southern Cross Precinct

12.30pm-5pm Youth Festival events at Southern Cross Precinct

Theme for WYD08

World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. The WYD08 theme, received from Pope Benedict XVI is:

'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.' Acts 1:8

This passage occurs after the death and resurrection of Jesus, just before his ascension to the Father. It represents the birth of the Church.