Cologne, Germany, Aug 16, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Australian youth received news from their prime minister, John Howard, that the next World Youth Day is set to take place in Australia.
Following a service at the Cologne Exhibition Center, attended by 1,600 Australian youth, organizers screened a videotaped message by the prime minister, expressing his pleasure that the next WYD will be in Australia. Rumors had been circulating to this effect for about the last six months.
The young Australians burst out into cheers and, after the prayer service, carried their celebration into the streets of Cologne.
Pope Benedict XVI is yet to confirm the news. He is expected to announce the location of the next WYD at the final mass, Aug. 21.