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03:23 GMT, Sunday, 20 July 2008 04:23 UK

In pictures: Pope ends Australia trip

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At the finale of World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI used the iconic popemobile to get close to some of an estimated 200,000 Catholic devotees gathered for Mass in Sydney, Australia.

Pope Benedict kisses a baby while riding in his popemobile

Pope Benedict kisses a baby while riding in his popemobile

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The Pope held several vigils and Masses, as well as showing a populist touch, during the six-day festival.

Pope Benedict shakes hands with pilgrims in Sydney, 20/07

Pope Benedict shakes hands with pilgrims in Sydney, 20/07

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Observers say the event, which culminated in a walkabout and an open-air Mass at Randwick Racecourse, will be regarded as a resounding success by the Vatican.

Flags from around the world on show in Sydney as the Pope passes by, 20/7

Flags from around the world on show in Sydney as the Pope passes by, 20/7

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Pilgrims came from all over the world to see the Pope.

Pilgrims hold up a sign, 19/07

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Some were keen to make their feelings clear for the 81-year-old pontiff, who is German by birth.

Anti-Pope protesters in Sydney, 19/07

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But it was not all plain-sailing for the Pope. A group of anti-Pope protesters inflated condoms and handed them to pilgrims.

Pope Benedict at St Mary's Cathedral, 19/07

Pope Benedict at St Mary's Cathedral, 19/07

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On Saturday Pope Benedict used a high-profile Mass to apologise for sex abuse perpetrated by Catholic clergy in Australia - an issue that had threatened to overshadow his trip.

A pilgrim prays with a candle, 19/07

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But the BBC's Nick Bryant, in Sydney, says that overall the event appeared spectacular, and the young people who attended appeared to have been energised by the Pope.

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