Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world, including hundreds of Kiwis are pouring into Sydney to attend the World Youth Day Conference.
However the disappearance of more than 30 Indian pilgrims on their way to Australia has got the Immigration service worried.
A large group were bound for the Pope's conference in Sydney via Auckland.
However, at least 30 failed to meet up with their Auckland clergy hosts, raising concerns that they never intended to go to Sydney and are trying to stay in New Zealand illegally.
Catholic Church spokeswoman Lyndsay Freer says she has no idea
where they have gone and senior church officials are trying to
track them down.
She says as far as she knows those missing are genuine pilgrims
with all the correct documentation.
Meanwhile, Sydney siders are bracing for traffic disruption this week. With several road closures planned, they have been advised to leave their cars at home.
Some Australians are hoping for promised apology to victims of sexual abuse by catholic priests.
During his flight to Australia, Pope Benedict indicated he would use his visit to apologise for sexual abuse by priests.
"We have to consider what was insufficient in our behaviour and how we can prevent, heal, reconcile," he told reporters aboard the plane before arriving yesterday in Sydney.
Pope Benedict is now in retreat in bushland west of Sydney, while the thousands of Catholics begin to pray and celebrate in the lead up to mass with the pope on Sunday.
Half a million people are expected to attend the congregation.
