Thousands of chanting and whistle-blowing pilgrims jostled for space near the Opera House in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Pope as he sailed by. Faithful Catholics from across the globe, many waving national flags, were fixed on one goal: seeing Pope Benedict XVI glide across the famous stretch of water. “We’re here until the Pope comes,” said Julie Somerville, who came with her granddaughter and friends to Sydney from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney for the event that organisers say will Thursday draw 500,000 into the city centre. “Then we’ll race to a vantage point to try to see the motorcade,” she said after planting a picnic mat on the forecourt of the harbour some five hours before the Pope’s planned arrival.

[Slideshow View]

The German-born Pope, who has been recovering from jetlag since his arrival in Australia on Sunday, will arrive at the head of the 13-boat flotilla about 3.30pm and later travel through the city in his “popemobile”. The 81-year-old pontiff, who is standing on the second deck of the ship is being greeted by scores of spectator craft. City streets are already jammed with ecstatic youths in anticipation of the Pontiff’s pope mobile sortie.