"The throngs of joyous young pilgrims from all locales flocking to WYD events, was a living example of local and international religious pilgrims mingling happily with non-religious Sydneysiders, some united in humanness, and perhaps a few, learning from their neighbours."

Hell, any time the NSW State Government wants to sponsor a party for me and my mates then I'll be more than happy to roll up. World Atheist Day next year, perhaps? Or World Unionist Day? World Muslim Day? How many other wealthy global organisations could have extorted the same level of special treatment from the NSW government at our expense? As our credit rating sinks slowly in the west, we can all draw consolation from the fact that the Pope had a really good time...

Paul.L have you been doing what I suggested Runner do or are you just trying to provoke a response? You seem to mistake holding Christians to account as being soft on Muslim, a sad attempt at playing the victim I think. The fact is the "Left" doesn't fit into one box just like the "Right" doesn't. Let me assure you though I how the same contempt for all religions, they are all a source of evil.
I would point out that your little book as a line in it that says “he who is without sin cast the first stone”. Many Ring wing Christian simple ignore this, happy to have go at everyone else. However you have no cred if you won’t clear your own house first before you comment on the dust on other peoples shelves.
I’m interested in making Australia a better place, let Americans, English, Chinese and what not do so in their country

I don't see the point of this article. Religious people place God before their country and Catholics also place the Vatican before Australia. They have manipulated Australia significantly through the private beliefs of our parliamentary members and leaders. Not only that but they steal wealth from gullible Australians and through non-taxation and huge government grants (eg. WYD). Moderate viewpoints are simply a means of manipulating mainstream into thinking that none of the above are true, when it is more true than they could imagine. I consider religion parasitic because of the extremists who successfully spread their policy while the moderates are not listened to. I feel bad for all the genuine moderates who are marginalised and irrelevant.

I think that author is trying to have her cake and eat it too.

If Catholicism has such a positive influence on Australian culture then why water it down with secular values such as womens rights and birth control?