From the Vatican, 16 June 2007 -

Your Eminence,

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was pleased to be informed of the arrival of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon in Australia on 1 July 2007. He sends warm greetings to you and Archbishop Phillip Wilson, President of the Australian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop John Dew of Wellington, Prime Minster John Howard and the other civic dignitaries present. The Holy Father also warmly greets the many young Australians who have gathered to welcome these two sacred images to your shores after their inspiring journey through many nations of the Pacific.

On Palm Sunday last year, in Saint Peter's Square, the Holy Father blessed the Cross and the Icon which now stand before you. He noted that the passing on of the Cross has become a tradition to be lived with great faith, as a journey of conversion following in the footsteps of Jesus. He also reminded us that Mary teaches us this faith through carrying her own cross alongside her Son before experiencing with him the joy of the Resurrection (cf. Angelus, XXI World Youth Day, 2006). His Holiness is confident that, drawn ever more deeply into the life of Jesus, the young people of Australia will grow in the love of his Church, strengthening their commitment to parish life and embracing the ecclesial mission of spreading Christ's Good News through their actions, words and convincing testimony of a consistent Christian life (cf. Sacramentum Caritatis, 85).

Assuring the people of Australia of his spiritual closeness, and eagerly anticipating World Youth Day 2008, the Holy Father invokes God's abundant blessings of strength and joy upon the nation.

With my own best wishes for this joyous occasion, I am

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Secretary of State