Pope Leo XIV Confirms He Will Attend the International Eucharistic Congress and Celebrate Mass in Sydney to Mark the 100th Anniversary of Australia’s First Congress

Excitement is building in Australia’s Catholic community as news emerges that Pope Leo XIV intends to visit Sydney in the spring of 2028.

The visit will center on the International Eucharistic Congress, a major global Catholic gathering, according to Bishop Richard Umbers, CEO of Eucharist28, the event’s organizing body.

The announcement came during a press conference on February 9 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where Umbers shared the pope’s commitment after discussions with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher in Rome.

“The archbishop spoke to Pope Leo and said, ‘We’re counting down the days for you to come to the International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held here in 2028,’ and the pope replied, ‘Well, it’s still a way off, but I’ll be there,’” Umbers revealed.

Diplomatic Protocol and the Prime Minister’s Role

The visit was initially suggested by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who invited Pope Leo the day after his installation in May 2025.

Because the pope is also the head of the Holy See, formal diplomatic protocols are required.

Australia must officially extend an invitation, which the pope would then need to accept.

Umbers said the pope’s confirmation is the strongest indication yet that Sydney will host the 2028 Congress, bringing renewed international attention to Australia’s Catholic community.

A Historic Return for the Eucharistic Congress

The 2028 event will be especially symbolic, marking the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first International Eucharistic Congress, which took place in Melbourne in 1928.

Melbourne also hosted the event in 1973, which attracted two future saints: Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, who became Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

“The 2028 Congress will be a week-long celebration,” Umbers said, outlining the key highlights.

He noted that, if Pope Leo XIV is able to attend, the event will feature a grand Eucharistic procession and a final Mass drawing Catholics from across Australia and overseas.

Logistical Challenges and Attendance Expectations

While the event is still over two years away, planning is already underway.

Umbers stressed the challenge of coordinating a global gathering of this scale.

“Given that there are about 5 million Catholics in Australia, we anticipate hundreds of thousands will attend, with many international visitors as well,” he said.

Historically, papal visits in Australia have drawn massive crowds.

Pope Paul VI visited in 1970, followed by Pope John Paul II in 1986 and 1995, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

The 2008 World Youth Day Mass in Sydney, celebrated by Benedict XVI at Randwick Racecourse, drew an estimated 400,000 people—the largest in Australian history.

Spiritual Goals Behind the Celebration

Beyond logistics, Umbers emphasized that the Congress aims to deepen faith and inspire spiritual renewal.

“We hope Eucharist28 will invigorate people in their faith and encourage them to return to their parishes renewed and on fire with love for the Lord,” he said.

He encouraged all Catholics to attend Sunday Mass and experience the transformative power of the Eucharist firsthand.

Pope Leo XIV’s presence is expected to add a unique spiritual dimension.

Umbers noted, “The opportunity to hear directly from the successor of Peter will move hearts with the help of the Holy Spirit.”

The pope’s connection with Australia’s diverse Catholic communities also provides a chance to share the message of Jesus Christ with a global audience.

Timing and Local Considerations

Exact dates for the Congress are still being finalized, and there are discussions about whether the event could overlap with the Rugby League Grand Final.

Umbers expressed confidence that Sydney’s infrastructure can accommodate both events, joking about trying to persuade priests to skip the footy for Mass.

“Sydney is an international city capable of hosting large gatherings,” he said.

“We will do everything we can to ensure the faithful can attend, no matter what else is happening in the city.”

What’s Next?

In the coming months, Eucharist28 organizers will finalize dates, secure venues, and coordinate international participation.

Catholics across Australia and abroad are encouraged to begin preparations for what promises to be a historic celebration of faith.

Pilgrimages, volunteer programs, and local parish initiatives are expected to grow in anticipation of the event.

Summary

Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Sydney in spring 2028 for the International Eucharistic Congress, marking the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first Congress.

With global attention, hundreds of thousands of Catholics expected, and a week-long schedule including a grand procession and final Mass, the event promises both logistical challenges and profound spiritual significance.

The Congress aims to renew faith, celebrate the Eucharist, and provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australians to witness the pope in person.