Cologne, Germany, Aug 15, 2005 / 22:00 pm
World Youth Day 2005 “will be celebrated with two Popes—one in heaven above and the other here on earth,” said Cardinal Joachim Meisner today in his comments at the opening press conference before more than 400 international journalists.
The cardinal referred to Pope John Paul II—who died in April, but who had initiated the World Youth Days 20 years ago—and to his successor, Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to his death, Pope John Paul had expressed his desire to attend the gathering in Cologne.
“Both [popes] worked to make this World Youth Day a reality,” said the archbishop of Cologne, who is the primary host of the international event.
The cardinal said Germany and the young pilgrims are looking forward to welcoming Pope Benedict XVI, but he added that John Paul is present at this WYD in spirit and “is looking down at us from above.