After flying over the gathered pilgrimsin a helicopter, the Pope, in the Popemobile, drove into the Randwickprecinct and almost at walking pace drove passed the pilgrims.

Several times the motorcade stopped while the Popemobile's window was opened so that the Pontiff could personally bless anumber of small children that were held up to him.

12 15 Just leaving the Chapel en route to the Southern Cross Precinct, where the pope will lead the Evening Vigil tonight.

12 30 Walking across the bridge now, near Melbourne pilrgims from St Bernadette's North Sunshine.

3PM UPDATE: THE PAPAL BOAT IS OFF

 

After boarding the boat, His Holiness has greeted several of the 16 young people who have been selected to board the boat with the Pontiff. 

 

He has just gone in to sit down. He looked positively thrilled to be here, standing out on the deck to greet the young folk. 

 

We can see that pilgrims line the foreshore to get the vantage point of the Pontiff. 

 

As the Papal boat hugs the foreshore in its journey to Barangaroo, the pilgrims fill the grounds, and lively dances are underway on stage - ramping up the vibe.

The Holy Father's schedule is going according to plan.

 

Vatican spokesperson, Fr Lombardi has reported just now that the speech given had the ceremony at Government House 'went all well.'

 

12:30 pm After 2 hours waiting at Circular Quay near the Sydney Opera House we are now sailing onboard the official media boat for Pope Benedict's boat-a-cade arrival on Sydney Harbour.
 

In a press conference just given by Pope Benedict XVI's, spokesperson, Fr Lombardi reported on the Papal movements. 

Today, Taronga Zoo took some animals to show the Pope - a koala amongst other fauna - to introduce him to the native Australian wildlife, as Australians are proud of the flora and fauna, that are specific to Australia, said Fr Lombardi. 

Vatican Press spokesperson, Fr Lombardi reported that the pontiff when offered the koala to hold said "No, you take it, its much safer in your hands, than in mine."

As well today, His Holiness gave a blessing to the policemen who are taking care of his security during this period.

One policeman who is "gravemente malato di cancro" (gravely sick with cancer) today received a special blessing from the Pontiff and received one rosary. He also had a brief conversation with the Pope. And he tried on the policeman's hat. 

In the same press conference, one journalist asked about the location of the next WYD, and Fr Lombardi quelled the question saying, wait until the end of WYD to find out.

Fr Lombardi, said that WYD will change to become a 'conclusive event' as there will be more attention paid to the preparation period - more WYD events are to be held before the week of official WYD. The sense of his answer was: It will be a big period, with events some months before to be part of WYD as well.

Vatican Press spokesperson would not say whether the Pope will speak about clerical sexual abuse.

Fr Lombardi told that perhaps the Pope in his first speech will talk tomorrow about the Australian situation, in response to one journalist's question.

Tonight the Pope will sleep at the Cardinal's residence of St Mary's Cathedral. 

 

 

Spirits were high today at airports this morning with WYD pilgrims arriving for pre WYD08 activities across Australia and New Zealand. Many will be participating in Days in the Diocese programmes. The first Pilgrims met at the airport today in Brisbane are from Wyoming in USA, and Alberta in Canada. Later in the week Pilgrims are expected in Brisbane from 48 other countries including