Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. It will attract over 125,000 international visitors - more than the 2000 Olympics.

WYD08 will mark the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Through the WYD08 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God.

World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.

World Youth Day 2008 Events

The official World Youth Day program contains a week-long program of events.

Below is a snapshot of the WYD08 week by day. Please click on the relevant section for more information on each event, including where you can see the Pope, the best public vantage points and exciting events as part of the Youth Festival.

During WYD08 there will be big screens operating around the city screening all of the major events live, so you can be part of this historic event.

Of course we'd love you to register as a pilgrim, but if you just want to come along you are welcome.

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 (for registered pilgrims only)
Youth Festival events

Thursday 17 July 2008
9.00am-12.00pm Catechesis (teaching) sessions at over 250 locations across Sydney (for registered pilgrims)
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 at over 250 locations across Sydney (for registered pilgrims)
3.00-6.00pm Stations of the Cross - a re-enactment of the last moments of Jesus' life: St Mary's Cathedral, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Domain

Youth Festival events

Saturday 19 July 2008
From 5.30am Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse (for registered pilgrims)
7.00pm-9.00pm Evening Vigil with the Pope and sleep out under the stars at Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park)

Sunday 20 July 2008
9am, Papal flyover and motorcade through Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park)
10am, Final Mass celebrated by the Pope, Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park)
12.30pm-5pm Youth Festival events at Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park)

Source: From Official World Youth Day 2008 Website Info.