Catholic News Agency reports that the Australian Embassy in Amman, Jordan has issued 27 visas which will allow some young Iraqis to participate in World Youth Day.  Initially 170 Chaldeans applied for Visas to participate in the largest gathering of world youth Christians in history.  True to their faith, the Chaldeans still expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Australian government for allowing 27 delegates.

“I would like to thank the Australian government for everything they have been able to do and also the Australian embassy to the Holy See which has contributed to this positive ending,” Father Philip Najim, Chaldean Prosecutor to the Holy See, said.  “Many in Iraq were waiting for this.  It is a symbolic number of visas but our youngsters will be in Sydney too and that’s what counts.”

Erbil sent 21 Chaldean pilgrims this morning, traveling from Erbil to Dubai then to Sydeny.  “We would like to show the Holy Father and the whole world our faith, heir of a millenary tradition which is still alive in our hearts,” said Father Rayan P. Atto, an escort for the trip.

The Catholic News Agency reports that Fr. Federico Lombardi, the spokesman for the Vatican will be sharing the news with the Pope.  Fr. Lombardi was also asked to share with the Pope a request to meet with the Iraqi pilgrims who prayed to attend and meet Christ’s successive apostle.