During his visit in Sydney, Australia, Pope Benedict XVI criticized what he called an „insatiable consumption" as a threat to the world's environment.

His Holiness appeared Thursday in front of an estimated crowd of 150,000 people at World Youth Day, an event deemed as the largest Christian gathering and nicknamed "the Catholic Woodstock."

His Holiness delivered his sermon in several languages to groups coming from 70 countries. Pope Benedict XVI talked about erosion, deforestation, the squandering of the world's mineral and ocean resources all driven by “an insatiable consumption."

Pope Benedict referred to global issues such as the global warming which will also causes the water level to rise all over the planet. He mentioned those residing in island countries whose very existence is threatened by rising water levels. On the other hand, there are several other countries suffering from the effects of “devastating drought.”

“God's wondrous creation is sometimes experienced as almost hostile to its stewards, even something dangerous. How can what is 'good' appear so threatening?"

Before holding his homily before the massive crowd, Pope Benedict held a private early-morning mass at St. Mary's Cathedral and then embarked on a tour around Sydney Harbour on the city's most luxurious cruise ship.

At his arrival at the World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI was greeted by a traditional aboriginal welcoming ceremony. His Holiness seized the occasion to thank the aboriginal elders and mention the hardship through which native people went through.

"To the young indigenous - aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - and the Tokelauans, I express my thanks for your stirring welcome."