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Sydney’s World Youth Day came to a close on Sunday, with thousands of pilgrims heading to Randwick Racecourse to attend the largest-ever gathering of people on Australian soil.
Pope Benedict XVI declared the event “unforgettable”—strong words from a man who turned 81 this year.
Already the event is being compared to the 2000 Olympics. Although World Youth Day brought more tourists and cost less to stage, on the downside it was more difficult for locals to get laid.
The city is expected to reap an economic windfall from the event, but will be required to feel guilty about that.
The final gathering at Royal Randwick racecourse drew over 400,000 pilgrims to watch hundreds of bishops in red dresses and funny hats enact the sacred rite of “ladies’ day”.
The final day of celebrations was marred by claims from victim support group Broken Rites that an apology to sex-abuse victims did not go far enough. The group didn’t go away empty-handed, however, with everyone receiving free train travel to and from the apology and a commemorative orange backpack.
The pontiff announced that the next World Youth Day will be held in Madrid, adding “yeah, suck it, Beijing.”
