AUSTRALIA.,
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 4 JULY 1986
Agreement has been reached with Vatican authorities on the
program for the visit to Australia by Pope John Paul II.
In the course of his stay, the Pope will visit Canberra and all
State capital cities. In the Northern Territory, he will visit
both Darwin and Alice Springs. In Canberra, which will be the
Pope's point of arrival in Australia, the Government will hold a
reception in his honour.
The Government is delighted that the Pope is able to make the
visit, which is in response to invitations from the Government
and the Catholic Bishops of Australia. I am a taking close
interest in the visit and, to this end, I have appointed Mr
Hurford to assist with the Government's involvement.
The Pope is a Head of State and a leading world figure. It is
appropriate that he should come to Australia in the International
Year of Peace as Australia has given international peace
initiatives a high priority in our foreign policy.
The Pope will spend the greater part of his time meeting the
people of Australia. There is already eager anticipation within
the Australian community about the visit and a great many groups
from widely differing backgrounds are involved in preparations
for it.
The Pope's general itinerary is attached.
VISIT BY POPE JOHN PAUL II
OUTLINE PROGRAM
CANBERRA
MONDAY 24 NOVEMBER
p. m.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER
a. m.
p. m. Arrive RAAF Base, Fairbairn from
New Zealand
Celebration of Eucharist at National
Exhibition Centre
Calls on Governor-General and
Prime Minister
Government Reception
Receive Heads of Diplomatic Missions
At Queen
Elizabeth II
Jubilee Sports
Centre
p. m.
WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER
a. m.
p. m. BRISBANE ( Visit sick and disabled persons
( Meet members of the media
( Celebration of the Eucharist
Address people assembled in King George
Square SYDNEY
Attend youth rally at Sydney Cricket
Ground Receive leaders of Jewish community
Address rally of industrial workers at
Seven Hills
Attend meeting with members of religious
orders at Sydney Opera House
Address representatives of Australian
institutions of higher education at
University of Sydney
Celebration of Eucharist at Randwick
Racecourse HOBART
THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER
a. m.
p. m.
FRIDAY
28 NOVEMBER
a. m.
p. m.
SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER Address group of unemployed persons
Celebration of Eucharist at Elwick
Racecourse
MELBOURNE Light a Unity Candle and pray in
St. Paul's Cathedral
Attend Ecumenical Service at Melbourne
Cricket Ground
Visit Parish of St Leo the Great, North
Altona Address teachers, students and graduates
of Catholic Teachers Colleges
Address gathering of clergy and
seminarians at St Patrick's Cathedral
Visit Ozanam House
Celebration of Eucharist at Flemington
Racecourse
Visit Mercy Maternity Hospital
Meet Polish Community at Melbourne
Cricket Ground
DARWIN
Celebration of Eucharist at Darwin
Showgrounds
ALICE SPRINGS
p. m. Attend Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander event
ADELAIDE Light Advent Candle for Peace
SUNDAY NOVEMBER
a. m. Attend rural industries function at
Festival Centre
Celebration of Eucharist at Victoria Park
Racecourse PERTH
p. m. Celebration of Eucharist at Belmont
Racecourse
Address aged persons
Open Catholic Education Centre at
Leederville
MONDAY 1 DECEMBER Leave Perth for overseas
I a. m