Latest from the Office

Here is the latest big news release from the media office:

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will visit the shrine of Australia's saint-in-waiting, Blessed Mary MacKillop, during his visit to Sydney in July.

The visit was confirmed by Vatican officials, in Sydney this week to inspect planning and preparations for World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08).

Papal Trips Organiser, Alberto Gasbarri, and Protocol Officer from the Papal Office, Paolo Corvini, arrived yesterday to approve the final stages of WYD08 preparations and approve elements of the Holy Father's itinerary.

"Today we can confirm that the Holy Father will visit the tomb of Blessed Mary MacKillop, one of WYD08's 10 patrons," said WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Fisher OP.

"Mary MacKillop's story of serving the poor and the uneducated is inspiring to all Australians and we hope she will also inspire the youth of the world."

The Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, confirmed the Holy Father will pray at Mary MacKillop's tomb in North Sydney during his stay.

"The Holy Father will be one of the thousands of pilgrims who will visit her shrine in July," Archbishop Lazzarotto said. "He will pray for Australia and the young pilgrims of the world so that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and be witnesses to Christ."

Pope Benedict will spend eight days in Australia, including three days of private rest and reflection prior to his official arrival on Sydney Harbour on 17 July. Australia will become only the third nation (after Turkey and the United States) to have been visited by each of the three 'travelling' Popes - Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and now Pope Benedict XVI.