World Youth Day 2008 Explanation

The logo image encapsulates five separate stories, representing Christ our Savior; the Catholic faith; the pilgrimage that is World Youth Day; the youth participants; and the host city, Sydney.

The most prominent image is the flame of the Holy Spirit. The colors of red, yellow and orange also evoke the sense of the Australian outback.

The honeycombed effect across the side of the flame represents receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.

The cross at the center of the logo is raised in victory representing Christ and the life of witness which the Holy Spirit enables. The white cross indicates Jesus as the light of the world.

The blue chosen for the World Youth Day text reflects the oceans that surround Australia, and the pilgrimage across the oceans to attend World Youth Day. It also represents the waters of baptism, as well as the Blessed Mother. Another image symbolizes the Sydney Opera House.

The World Youth Day logo was designed by a team of professional design companies, with input coming from hundreds of young people around Australia.