Outdoor mass opens World Youth Day

BARANGAROO, Australia, July 15 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joined 26 cardinals, 4,400 bishops and priests and 143,000 pilgrims Tuesday for the opening mass of World Youth Day .

The open-air mass in Barangaroo, a Sydney suburb, opened with a procession of the 168 flags of the countries represented at World Youth Day and aboriginal music and dance.

"Some say faith is the enemy of reason, I say also they are wrong," Rudd said in his speech of welcome. "They are great partners, rich in history and scientific progress."

Archbishop of Sydney George Pell compared the drought gripping parts of Australia to the valley of dry bones seen by the Prophet Ezekiel.

"Many parts of Australia are still in drought, so all Australians understand a valley of dry bones and fleshless skeletons," he said in his homily. "But this grim vision is offered first to any and all of you who are even tempted to say, 'Our hope is gone, we are as good as dead.' That is never true while we can still choose,"

Pope Benedict XVI, who is spending a few days in rest and reflection, delivered a video message shortly before the event began.