Today, the Pope came to Sydney, which accounts for the many pilgrims and priests I saw on the way here, and why the announcements on the plane were repeated in Italian. And Lo! The Sydney tourist board did rejoice, and a big fuss was made all day long.

I myself came all the way to Sydney a couple of days ago. I didn't get welcomed by millions of shouting people, mind you. Probably just as well, though, I think – the Pope didn't look like he was enjoying it all that much, despite what the commentators were saying. I think he was quite relieved to get into his eco-friendly Popemobile, where he got to sit down at least, though he still had to keep waving - I wondered if his arms were getting tired.

My sister's choir had been rehearsing for some time a specially composed song to sing for His Holiness, and spent the previous day singing the same song for four hours in preparation. What amused me, though, was that they dressed all the kids in hoodies, probably in honour of World Yoof Day. Brave Pope Benedict had to run the gauntlet, walking fearlessly between two columns of hoodies, which most elderly people hold as a notorious peril. It was impressive to see that the Pope did not seem in the slightest bit intimidated, even though the hoodies were bright orange and red, and even though each yoof kept his/her gaze fixed on him, turning to continue watching him as he passed - a technique used by hoodies on the street that is guaranteed to make pensioners quail and blanch. Not this man. "Respec', Pope-man, innit".