There are many reasons why Australians would question the cost and disturbance created by World Youth Day. But there are many more reasons why they ought to embrace this historic occasion.

A lot has been said and written about the dislocation for the racing fraternity, the chaos created in and around Sydney and the public expense of hosting Pope Benedict XVI.

Some people will use the Pontiff's visit to push their own beliefs. Contraception, abortion, women's ordination and stem cell research will all get a good working over again.

It is also no coincidence that on the eve of the Papal visit accusations have been raised that Cardinal George Pell badly handled a complaint of sexual abuse by a priest. Indeed, many sexual abuse victims will feel unsettled in the coming week amid the celebrations given their sufferings at the hands of Catholic clergy.

That said, we should not rain on the Pope's parade.

In the past week we have seen hundreds of eager and joyful Catholics billeted in our region. They have proudly spoken about their Christian beliefs, and their aspiration to such clean values is surely something to admire.

And while everyone may not want to get caught up in the Illawarra events or in the Sydney mayhem, the visit of the Pope is history in the making.