The pope was being greeted Sunday by officials including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the tarmac of a military air base on Sydney's outskirts, after a flight from the Vatican of more than 20 hours and a refueling stop in the northern city of Darwin.
Benedict told reporters during the flight that he wants to help heal wounds caused by the clergy sexual abuse scandal. Australian victims have demanded the pope make a formal apology for the abuse.
Benedict, 81, will rest for three days at a retreat in Sydney before joining the World Youth Day festival starting Thursday.
