Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be in Sydney for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) - the first time his body has left Turin, Italy since his death in 1925.

The charismatic Blessed Pier Giorgio is revered for his social activism, sporty nature, sense of humour and generous spirit.

"His youthful good looks, charm, fun-loving nature and dedication to God and humanity make him the perfect inspiration for young people," said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator of WYD08.

"Pier Giorgio loved sport, horseriding, mountain climbing - and practical jokes."

Born into a wealthy, influential but unreligious family - his agnostic father became Italian Ambassador to Germany - Pier Giorgio joined the St Vincent de Paul Society in 1918 at 17, committing his spare time to the sick and needy.

An extremely passionate social activist, Pier Giorgio joined student organisations, opposed fascism and established a daily newspaper.

His great acts of charity included donating his graduation money to an elderly woman evicted from her apartment and supporting a sick widow's three children.

In 1925 Pier Giorgio was afflicted by an acute attack of polio, which doctors speculated he caught from the sick that he tended. He died at the age of 24.

His family were amazed to see thousands of mourners lining the streets for his funeral, many of whom were the poor and needy he had served selflessly. They in turn were stunned to learn this generous and humble youth was from such an important family.

It was these people who petitioned the Archbishop of Turin to begin the cause for canonisation, a process started in 1932. He was beatified on 20 May 1990.

"The Catholic Church's practice of venerating the relics of Christ's saints is a sign of its faith in the resurrection of the body and its belief in the goodness of the body," Bishop Fisher said.

The coffin of Blessed Pier Giorgio will be placed in St Mary's Cathedral during WYD08.

Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15-20 July. Organised by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 is expected to attract 500,000 to the Final Mass, presided by Pope Benedict XVI.

Only 119 days to go to WYD08!