Pope addresses 100,000 at world youth event in Sydney

Updated July 17, 2008 18:20:39

Pope Benedict spoke about the threat of global warming during his World Youth Day address. [Reuters]

The Pope has addressed more than 100,000 people as part of the Catholic World Youth Day event in Australia's largest city, Sydney.

He was welcomed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, and a group from the Pacific nation of Tokelau.

The Pontiff expressed his delight at attending a festival with young people from all over the world.

He spoke about the marvel of creation, but also warned of the threat to the earth from global warming:

"Some of you come from island nations whose very existence is threatened by rising water levels also from nations suffering the effects of devastating drought," he said.

Praise for Australian indigenous apology

Earlier, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the Australian government for its apology to the stolen generations.

In February, the prime minster, Kevin Rudd, delivered the apology over the actions of previous governments and agencies, who forcibly removed aboriginal children from their families.

Pope Benedict thanked Mr Rudd after being officially welcomed to Australia at Government House in Sydney.

"Thanks to the Australian government's courageous decision to acknowledge the injustices committed against indigenous people in the past concrete steps are now being taken to achieve reconciliation based on mutual respect," he said.

The Pope also spoke about Australia's commitment to protecting the natural environment and its peace keeping missions in the Pacific.