Josef Ratzinger who is now better known as Pope Benedikt the 16th has started his first journey abroad after his selection
to become the new Pope on April 19th of this year. Several precautions were made for this journey. The 78-year-old will land at the Cologne airport on August 18th. After his arrival he takes part on a cruise on the river Rhine and at 7 pm finishes the day by attending a service in a cathedral in Cologne. On the next day, after a big celebration, the German Federal President is going to meet the Pope in a synagogue in Cologne. While the Pope spends the morning in the house of the arch bishop, completely different scenario takes place in the west of Cologne. Here people are making preparations for the world youth day on full speed. 800,000
pilgrims are expected to take part in the celebrations. A 100m high hill was made in the centre of the Marienfeld square; the Pope in addition serves with the young people fair to celebrate. The pilgrims can watch the ceremony on video screens. The whole celebration costs a hundred million euros. 40 % of that comes from the pilgrims, 30 % is given by the German congregations, 15 % comes from the tax payers and the European Union and the final 15 % is financed through souvenirs. The believers can buy so called pilgrim packets. It consists of accommodation for five days and nights with including food, a 7-day traffic ticket that covers the whole arch diocese of Cologne, and a health insurance as well as a pilgrims pack bag at the price of 169 €. The amount of public transportation is off course increased for this event. There are 142 routes available with 130.000 seats. The Pope flies with German Lufthansa to Cologne. Benedikt the 16th can expect the rejoicing of the masses like his predecessor Pope John Paul, who is still very much loved. The
security of the Pope and the visitors is ensured by 4.000 policemen and many private security agencies.