Final statistics revealed

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI thanked 8,000 World Youth Day volunteers and attended a special farewell ceremony at Sydney International Airport before departing Australia for Rome today.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Holy Father paused briefly for a final wave to the crowd including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, before entering the Qantas Boeing 747 for the 21-hour journey home.

Earlier this morning, the Pope arrived at the Domain in his Popemobile to give thanks to WYD08 Ambassadors Carla Zampatti, Amelia Farrugia, the Delezio family, Stephen Moore, Jared Crouch, Jimmy Little and Dr John Herron and the WYD08 volunteers.

Performers Guy Sebastian and Paulini performed for the crowd and special guests Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell, National Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, members of the Papal entourage and Stations of the Cross actors Alfio Stuto (Jesus) and Marina Dixon (Mary).

With WYD08 coming to an end, WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP reflected today on Sydney’s achievements as host city.

“This week the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit has welcomed with open arms 223,000 pilgrims – including over 110,000 from 170 nations.

“We’ve accommodated 120,000 pilgrims in our schools, parishes, homes and other venues and served 3.5 million meals across around 400 venues.

“Although only a week in duration, World Youth Day will resonate in Australian hearts for a long time to come and will forever be remembered in the lives of the young pilgrims,” said Bishop Fisher.

Shortly after the Pope’s departure Cardinal Pell proudly commended the week’s activities.

“The event was seamless and for that I give thanks to the people of Sydney and Australia, and to all those who contributed to this magnificent international celebration of youth and faith,” said Cardinal Pell.

“His Holiness has expressed his warm gratitude to the people of Sydney, the Australian Catholic Church, State and Federal Governments, WYD08 staff, volunteers and all others who contributed to this magnificent event.”

Earlier this morning, His Holiness attended a private meeting with a small group of Australians who have been victims of sexual abuse by some clergy.

The Professional Standards Office of New South Wales nominated four victims to meet the Holy Father after a private Mass with him.

“The Holy Father's meeting this morning further reinforces the Church’s commitment to bringing healing and justice to those who have been so terribly hurt by sexual abuse.” said Cardinal Pell.

FINAL STATISTICS
WORLD YOUTH DAY SYDNEY 2008
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PILGRIMS & ATTENDANCE
• 70,000 international pilgrims took part in Days of the Diocese throughout Australia during the week before WYD08
• 150,000 attended the Opening Mass at Barangaroo and CBD sites
• In excess of 400,000 people attended the Final Mass at Southern Cross Precinct
• 500,000 people came out to welcome His Holiness on Thursday 17 July on the Boat-a-cade, Official Arrival at Barangaroo and Motorcade
• 223,000 people registered for pilgrim services during WYD08 (110,000 international pilgrims + 113,000 local pilgrims)
• Over 170 nations were represented at World Youth Day Sydney 2008
• 168 international flags took part in the Procession of Flags at the WYD08 Opening Mass

AUDIENCE
• WYD08 events were watched live by an estimated international TV audience of 500 million, with TV and internet audiences combined reaching 1 billion
• XT3.com, the WYD08 official online social networking site, is expected to attract 225,000 pilgrims as a result of the event
• The World Youth Day website received over 500,000 unique users from Saturday 12 July to Sunday 20th July with the biggest spike in hits occurring Thursday 17th July.
• WYD08 online streaming received over 250,000 visits during the event period, watching events live all around the world
• Top countries watching online streaming included USA, UK, Italy, Canada, Spain and Germany
• There were 2,000 accredited media for WYD08

ACTIVITIES
• 450 Youth Festival events took place during the week from Tuesday to Sunday in over 100 venues
• 30 large national gatherings took place during WYD08
• 134 international pilgrims from 58 countries were part of the International Liturgy Group (ILG), as well as a representative from each Australian State and Territory. The ILG undertook the main duties of the liturgies including readings, offertory procession, altar servers, testimonials, flag bearers.
• In Terrey Hills, more than 350 cardinals and bishops from overseas enjoyed a lunch hosted by the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell.
• An average of 2,500 pilgrims walked through the Vocations Expo every hour
• Catechesis was delivered at 235 locations across Sydney in 29 different languages
• The WYD08 Choir consisted of 300 members, the WYD08 Orchestra was an 80 piece ...