World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) today confirmed that it expects 125,000 international pilgrims to take part in the Catholic Church-hosted event when it is held in Sydney in July.

WYD08 Chief Operating Officer Danny Casey said media reports suggesting this figure would be revised downwards were based on incorrect assumptions and out of date information.

"We always expected there would be high demand from young Catholics around the world to come to Australia for World Youth Day," Mr Casey said.

"Twelve months ago, we estimated that 125,000 overseas pilgrims would attend the event.

"Since then, we have received more than 168,000 online registrations of interest from overseas.

"But we always anticipated that a proportion of those were unlikely to follow through with an actual registration because of a range of factors including distance and cost.

"For these reasons, we felt it was inappropriate to increase our estimate.

"Through regular contact with pilgrim groups overseas - not just in the United States, but elsewhere - we continue to be confident of our planning estimate of 125,000 international pilgrims.

"And the most recent advice from the US Catholic Bishops Conference and other Catholic groups suggests we should expect more than 21,000 pilgrims from the United States.'

Mr Casey said WYD08 would be the largest event ever held in Australia in terms of international participants.

Hosted by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 is a week of religious and cultural activities from 15 - 20 July.

WYD08 will mark the first visit to Australia by his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Major events, including the Pope's arrival on Sydney Harbour, will be televised live around the world, showcasing Sydney and its magnificent surrounds.

Only 124 days to go to WYD08!