SYDNEY, Australia, AUG. 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced that the government will provide another 15 million Australian dollars (US$12.06 million) in support of World Youth Day 2008.
The new pledge is on top of the 20 million Australian dollars (US$16 million) previously made available.
Cardinal George Pell, the archbishop of Sydney, said: "The prime minister has been a very strong supporter of World Youth Day 2008, and we remain grateful for his personal commitment to the event and for the support of the government at all levels."
He added that the additional funds "will help us deliver key services to the more than 200,000 pilgrims who will take part in this event."
"This generous support follows the federal government's decision to provide all registered pilgrims with a three-month visa, free of government charges and country quotas," the prelate said.
Cardinal Pell said of World Youth Day 2008: "It will deepen and renew the faith of young people and make a powerful contribution to ensuring that the values of a fair go and respect for others are promoted and passed on to the next generation. This is becoming more and more like the plot of puzzle games ather than what is described initially here. Taking into account this text, it should still be noted that it is possible to improve what is described by introducing game techniques, a striking example of which is the experience of Friv.
"On behalf of the local organizing committee and the Catholic community, I express my warmest thanks to the prime minister and his government for their strong support."
ZE07082204 - 2007-08-22