Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct 29, 2007 / 11:05 am (CNA).- The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil has reiterated its desire to host the next World Youth Day after Sydney 2008.  The bishops made their initial request to host the event during Pope Benedict XVI’s recent visit to Brazil.

Brazil is competing with Spain, Great Britain and other countries to host the next WYD, said Bishop Geraldo Lyrio Rocha, according to the Associated Press.  He said the bishops asked the Holy Father to be considered when he visited Brazil for the 5th General Conference of the Latin American Bishops’ Council.

He noted that the announcement of the location of the next WYD is usually made during the celebration of the one prior, and for this reason they will wait until next July to receive a response.

Among the Brazilians cities that could host the event are Bello Horizonte in southeastern Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro.

WYD is held every three years. The last gathering took place in Cologne, Germany in 2005.  The Australian city of Sydney is preparing to host the event in 2008.

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