Some Catholics had two simple words written on banners and T-shirts: ``Free hugs''. And many took them up on their offer.

Cultural groups could not contain their excitement while they waited for Pope Benedict last Wednesday as they randomly broke out in song and dance in the middle of Darling Harbour.

Brazilian and Indonesian groups joined together for the same reason: ``faith'', they all said and they danced through the night.

Among the international pilgrims were Catholics from Macarthur.

While at World Youth Day celebrations in the city, the Advertiser spoke to a group of Canadian pilgrims who were staying at Camden.

``St Paul's in Camden have been our host parish and they have been awesome,'' the Canadians' group leader Bruce Weinert said.

``We have come here to hear our spiritual leader talk to us. When you are here you see people from all around the world because we are the world and we can make a positive change.

``Every day has been a new experience.''

Fellow pilgrim Valeria Rojas said

it was great to meet new people.

``I think it gives us the chance to learn more about ourselves and to show how joyful we are,'' she said.

About 500,000 people crowded east Darling Harbour to see the Pope last Thursday, singing and chanting as they awaited his arrival.

Many played with Australian playing cards, which were handed out to them earlier that day.

A big screen showing Pope Benedict on the boat travelling towards the huge congregation had people screaming ``Benedicto!''

Different flags were held up high and many workers and residents sat on rooftops to get a glimpse of the Catholic leader.

When he finally arrived, an Aboriginal dance welcomed him to the land.

He began his homily by thanking Australians and those who came from all over the world to be there.

``Wherever you are from, together we stand in our world,'' Pope Benedict said.

``Christ's good news is for everyone there is a number of you still seeking a spiritual home because some of you here today are not Catholic or even Christian.''