This latest announcement follows Pope Benedict's tour to the USA in April, when His Holiness framed the tone of the visit - even before his arrival - with a powerful 'in-flight' media interview in which he acknowledged the victims of clerical sexual abuse.

"If I read the histories of these victims, it's difficult for me to understand how it was possible ... We are deeply ashamed, and we will do all that is possible that this cannot happen in the future" His Holiness said according to an NCR transcription and translation on the flight from Rome - Washington - New York.

The Holy See Press Office has added that Italian speaking journalists will benefit more on the Papal flight to Sydney, as His Holiness usually speaks Italian during in-flight media conferences.

This 'FLY Benedict' media opportunity, comes as the Holy See Press Office released this morning the full Papal itinerary for Benedict's visit to Sydney for World Youth Day 2008.

On 13 July, His Holiness will fly into Richmond RAAF airport. He will then rest for a few days before being officially welcomed to WYD on Thursday 17th July at Barangaroo (the Hungry Mile) in what has been described as a 'Papal Boat-a cade'.

On the final day of WYD celebrations, the Pope will then take to the skies again, this time flying over Centennial Park and Randwick Racecourse in a helicopter. This will be followed by a drive around the Southern Cross Precinct to greet thousands of pilgrims from the 'Pope-mobile,' and the Final Mass.

"His Holiness has a very full schedule on his first visit to Australia," said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator of WYD08.

The itinerary, which will be released on the Vatican website later tonight will include official meetings with the Governor General of Australia, Major Michael Jeffery; Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd; NSW Governor Marie Bashir; and NSW Premier Morris Iemma.

"As a Head of State, he will also be conducting several official meetings with civic leaders," Bishop Fisher said.

WYD08 organizers also announced this week that His Holiness will hold an ecumenical meeting with leaders or their representatives including the Anglican, Protestant, Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Eastern Rite Churches.

This will be followed by an interfaith meeting, where the Pope will meet with around 40 heads of Other Faith traditions including the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths.

"The Catholic Church is in regular dialogue with other Churches and faiths, and we are pleased with the level of support we have received for this great celebration of youth," Bishop Fisher said.

Other engagements on the Pope's agenda were also announced this week, including his lunch with twelve young people and another with disadvantaged youth. The Pope will also bless and dedicate the new altar at St. Mary's Cathedral in front of an audience of invited guests – mainly seminarians and young religious in formation.

"Our hope is that World Youth Day will reignite the flame of faith in all young people and encourage them to live out that faith in love and peace. Religion can be a great force for uniting our world rather than dividing people" said Bishop Fisher.

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