Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to meet Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during the pontiff's July 12-21 apostolic visit to Australia, according to the Vatican's programme for the trip published Friday.Besides meetings with officials and leaders of different Christian denominations and other religions, Benedict is scheduled to attend the highlight of the visit - the 23rd edition of the Roman Catholic Church's World Youth Day in Sydney which runs from July 15-20.
But before beginning his busy schedule, the 81-year-old German pope is scheduled to take a four days off to rest, following his arrival at an air force base in Darwin, on a long-haul flight from Rome.
The official programme begins on July 17 when Benedict is scheduled to participate in a welcome ceremony at Sydney's Government House, after which he will pay a courtesy visit toAustralia's Governor General, Michael Jeffery, and meet with Rudd.
After attending a performance in his honour of traditional Aboriginal dances and songs, Benedict is scheduled to board the ship Sydney 2000 and be taken to the city's East Darling Harbour where he will be welcomed by young people.
On Friday July 18 the pontiff is expected to participate at an ecumenical meeting in the crypt of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney before going on to meet with representatives of other religions in the cathedral chapter.
On Saturday July 19, Benedict XVI is scheduled to celebrate Mass in St Mary's Cathedral with Australian bishops, seminarians and novices, and consecrate the building's new altar.
On Sunday July 20 the pontiff will preside at Mass for the 23rd World Youth Day and pray the Angelus at Sydney's Randwick Racecourse before the expected tens of thousands attending the event.
During the last day of his visit on Monday July 21, Benedict will bid farewell to World Youth Day volunteers and pronounce an address before flying from Sydney to Darwin, from where his flight is scheduled to proceed to Rome.
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