World Youth Day, hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, is expected to gather hundreds of thousands of young people for the 2008 gathering.

As Pope Benedict XVI decides on the city that is to host the large gathering – a selection that will be announced Aug. 21 – actor-director Mel Gibson has been requested to recreate scenes of Christ's crucifixion, similar to those in the largely successful "The Passion of the Christ," on the streets of Sydney if the city is chosen.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Gibson's staging of the Stations of the Cross – part of the day program – could be a part of the city's bid to host the event.

Scenes of the cross would begin with the Last Supper, staged at Sydney's landmark Opera House at sunset. It would then continue on until the crucifixion of Christ at St. Mary's Cathedral.

The Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, said Gibson may consider the request.

"He might well be attracted. I think his devotion to Christ is very real," said Pell.

The international gathering in 2008 is expected to draw 400,000 young Catholics from 160 countries.

According to organisers, World Youth Day not only serves to gather the young people of the world, but it is also a time to put trust in the world's youth.





Samuel Kim
Christian Today Correspondent