Media registration for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) opens today, Wednesday, 12 December 2007.

All domestic and international media organisations are invited to register online for the largest event that Australia will host in terms of international visitors. The event will also mark the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Media registration is found at: www.wyd2008.org/media

WYD08 is a week of event activities which will be held 15 - 20 July 2008 in Sydney. The event will attract approximately 125,000 international registered visitors to the event, and approximately 500,000 people to any of its major events.

Media will need to read the advisory and complete the online form prior to media registration closing on Friday, 20 June 2008.

Organisers are expecting between 3,000 - 5,000 media to attend and report on World Youth Day. Media are encouraged to register early in order to secure their position at the event.

Media registration and accreditation will be managed by a dedicated team within the WYD08 Communications Department.

For any further questions or enquiries on media registration and accreditation please email: media.accreditation@wyd2008.org .

For any general media and communications enquiries, please email media@wyd2008.org

Further information on other media-related services can also be found at www.wyd2008.org/media

World Youth Day Sydney 2008 is hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all.

Only 216 days to go to WYD08!