Originally; Pope John Paul II was to attend the World Youth Day in Cologne. After he died earlier in 2005; it was instead his successor Pope Benedict XVI's first apostolic journey. Cologne; the patient Benedict XVI balanced it all with his sober and austere presence. At his side the pontifical master of ceremonies; Piero Marini; the director of these mass rituals dear to John Paul II; put the seal on one of his last performances. Everything was in keeping with Ratzinger's tendencies. The Masses; the vespers; and the Eucharistic benedictions celebrated with the trendy popular music choirs; rock guitars; Indian dances; African tambourines; and Andean flutes.About 400;000 young people from 200 countries attended during the week; and more than 1;000;000 came for the weekend. They were joined by about 600 bishops and cardinals; as well as by 6;600 reporters.IN THE PHOTO : THE POPE AT MARIAN FIELD-COLOGNE -AREA CENTRAL WITH A POOL OF HOLYWATER TO THE LEFT THE STAGEAREAWHERE THE POPE WILL ADRESS THE HALF MILLON PEOPLE GATHERED TO SEE HIM