Terror attacks in turkey leads to change of plans for WYD pilgrims

By Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese

27 July 2005

Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, has today decided that due to recent terror attacks in Turkey the WYD pilgrimage via the Pathways of St Paul through Turkey will be redirected. The group is scheduled to depart on 4 August, 2005.

In today’s letter sent to the young people booked on the trip, aged from 16-35, Cardinal Pell says:

“Such events, at destinations we plan to visit on our pilgrimage, have highlighted the need to review the latest available advice from the Australian Government and to reconsider the appropriateness of our pilgrimage proceeding through Turkey. The safety of our pilgrims, especially the school students who will be travelling on pilgrimage with the Archdiocese, must be paramount in any decision to alter the itinerary.

Cardinal Pell cites advice from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Monday 11 July 2005.

New travel plans are currently being worked out, and pilgrims will be advised of the new route as soon as its known.