1970 saw the first visit to Australia by a Pope, Paul VI.[33] Pope John Paul II was the next Pope to visit Australia in 1986. At Alice Springs, the Pope made an historic address to indigenous Australians, in which he praised the enduring qualities of Aboriginal culture, lamented the effects of dispossession of and discrimination; called for acknowledgment of Aboriginal land rights and reconciliation in Australia; and said that the Church in Australia would not reach its potential until Aboriginal people had made their “contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others”.[34] In July 2008, Sydney hosted the massive youth festival led by Pope Benedict XVI.[35][36] Around 500,000 welcomed the pope to Sydney and 270,000 watched the Stations of the Cross. More than 300,000 pilgrims camped out overnight in preparation for the final Mass,[37] where final attendance was between 300,000 and 400,000 people.[38][39][40]
via Christianity in Australia – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
