Pope Benedict XVI Blog

The Pope meets the serpent ... and the koala and the parrot

thisislondon.co.uk
Last updated at 09:45am on 16.07.08

The image was practically Biblical: Pope Benedict XVI face to face with a serpent.

But the hint of a good vs evil face-off dissipated when the pontiff next squared up against a koala - and, smiling, gave the fuzzy furball a little scratch behind the ears.

The Pope was meeting native Australian animals during the World Youth Day celebration in Australia, where young Roman Catholic pilgrims attended religious classes then chowed down on sausages at barbecues.


That's the spot: Even the Pope can't resist giving this adorable furball a scratch behind the ears


Only if I have to: Perhaps understandably, the Pope appears less enthusiastic as he meets the snake

The second day of the celebration offered a relaxed schedule, beginning with "time for silence for reflection," according to the pilgrims' official handbook. Afternoon events include a pilgrimage walk to the downtown St. Mary's Cathedral, barbecues at hundreds of venues around the city and a beach party at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach featuring a rapping American priest.

Pilgrims also received the second of daily mobile phone text messages from Pope Benedict: "The Holy Spirit gave the Apostles and gives u the power boldly 2 proclaim that Christ is risen! - BXVI."

The pope, enjoying a final day of rest before joining the events tomorrow, held prayers at a private retreat today, then viewed some native Australian animals brought to him by wildlife officers, including a kangaroo, a baby crocodile and a spiky echidna.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:54 PM