Pope Benedict XVI is dedicating the altar at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral. It is be the first time Benedict has dedicated an altar outside of Rome. Bishops, seminarians and male and female novices from around Australia are attending the mass, but no World Youth Day (WYD) pilgrims are in the congregation. The pilgrims this morning are headed for Randwick Racecourse where the pontiff will join them in a vigil tonight before tomorrow’s final WYD mass. The dedication mass started at 9.20am (AEST) and will end just before midday. After mass, Pope Benedict will lunch with the bishops and members of the papal entourage at St Mary’s Cathedral House reception hall.

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