In pictures: World Youth Day

Tens of thousands of young Roman Catholics from across the world have flocked to Cologne to see Pope Benedict XVI.

They will be taking part in a six-day jamboree which kicked off in the German city on Tuesday.

Here, a street artist puts the last touches to a large drawing of the pontiff just in front of the city's celebrated cathedral.

For many teenagers, the event is an opportunity to make friends from far-away countries.

The late Pope John Paul II is still in the hearts and minds of young Catholics - his picture can be spotted on this US girl's hat.

Many of the visitors have been enjoying the quiet of the cathedral, where they can light a candle and say a prayer, away from the noisy crowd that packs the streets outside.

A large teddy dressed up as the pontiff can be seen in a shop window - a sign of the affection many locals feel for the German-born Joseph Ratzinger.

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