Balancing the structure

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

World Youth Day 2008 organizers in Australia have come up with an interesting idea that speaks to concerns about justice. Registration fees will vary depending on the wealth of each pilgrim's home country.

The four-tiered registration fee system has received Vatican approval and is based on national income classifications developed by the World Bank.

Pilgrims from Australia, the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Poland, Mexico and several Caribbean countries will pay the highest registration fees. Pilgrims from South Pacific countries such as Fiji, East Timor and Papua New Guinea, will pay the lowest registration fees.

For example, the most comprehensive World Youth Day package, including lodging in a church facility or private home July 14-20, most meals and local transportation will cost (in U.S. dollars) $308 for the wealthiest nations, $191 middle, $109 low and $39 lowest.

"The pricing structure ensures that pilgrims from more affluent nations, including Australian pilgrims, share in a reasonable part of the costs of WYD08 and support pilgrims from less-affluent nations," said an announcement on the event's official website, www.wyd2008.org.

It's a noble idea for a noble effort.