Pope Benedict Arrives in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia -- Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Australia on Sunday, saying he wants to use his visit to raise awareness about global warming and address the crisis of clergy sexual abuse.

Benedict suggested to reporters on the flight from the Vatican that he would express regret about abuse by priests, though victims' groups are demanding he go further and make a direct formal apology.

The clergy abuse scandal is a serious note in the pope's 10-day visit to Australia, his first, during which he will join the World Youth Day festival that has attracted more than 200,000 people.

Benedict, 81, flew more than 20 hours from the Vatican to touch down at a military air base on Sydney's outskirts. He waved briefly as he climbed down the plane's stairway and was greeted on the tarmac by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other church and government officials.

He was driven to a retreat in Sydney where he will stay out of the public eye until the youth festival formally begins Thursday.

During the flight, Benedict told reporters he would work for "healing and reconciliation with the victims" of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy in Australia "just as I did in the United States."

At the start of a U.S. visit earlier this year, Benedict said he was "deeply ashamed" of the abuse scandal and pledged to work to make sure pedophiles do not become priests.

Clergy abuse support groups in Australia have demanded that Benedict apologize during his visit for the abuse they suffered. The exact number of victims of clergy abuse in Australia is not known, though activists say it is in the thousands.

Bernard Barrett, a spokesman for the victims' group Broken Rites, said Benedict's comments did not go far enough.

What I am happy about is that I think I will get to see a lot of one of my favorites, Cardinal Pell!

We have 90 kids from our archdiocese at World Youth Day. They left 2 days ago. This is a serious commitment from those kids and our archdiocese, because of the cost of the air fare.

I will be watching the coverage on EWTN.

We have 90 kids from our archdiocese at World Youth Day. They left 2 days ago. This is a serious commitment from those kids and our archdiocese, because of the cost of the air fare.

How awesome! I believe EWTN will begin coverage on Thursday. I will post a thread tomorrow with dates and times.

ELS, can you post some photos from Yahoo News Service? Thank you.

Sure! I've been out most of the day, but here you go ...

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves his plane on arriving at Richmond airforce base near Sydney, July 13, 2008. He is making his first visit to Australia and is the star attraction at World Youth Day. REUTERS/Dean Lewins/Pool (AUSTRALIA)

Pope Benedict XVI greets Australia's senior Catholic cleric Cardinal George Pell (L) on arriving at Richmond airforce base near Sydney, July 13, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Wimborne (AUSTRALIA)

Pope Benedict XVI (R) is greeted by clergy including Australia's senior Catholic cleric Cardinal George Pell (C) on arriving at Richmond airforce base near Sydney, July 13, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Wimborne (AUSTRALIA)

Pope Benedict XVI clasps his hands as he meets dignitaries upon arriving at Richmond airforce base near Sydney July 13, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Wimborne (AUSTRALIA)

Pope Benedict XVI (centre) is greeted by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (right) after arriving in Sydney on July 13. The head of the Catholic church is recovering from jet-lag at a Catholic retreat in Sydney after his 20-hour flight from Rome ahead of World Youth Day celebrations. (AFP/Greg Wood)

Pope Benedict XVI and Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (R) are followed by Catholic clergymen at Richmond airforce base near Sydney, July 13, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Wimborne (AUSTRALIA)

Thank you! Simply amazing. Nearly 16 hours of flying and he looks fresh as a daisy. I traveled extensively when I used to work for an international airline. The effect of changing time zones, the dryness of the air inside the aircraft, and the limited mobility left me looking like a rag doll upon arrival. How does he do it!

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.