Sydney is set to host its first papal visit in two decades, with Pope Leo XIV expected to travel to Australia for the 54th International Eucharistic Congress in 2028.  

The last time the Harbour City hosted a pope was Benedict XVI in 2008, with Leo’s appearance to mark the first time a native-English speaking Pontiff has visited Australia.

Planning is underway for a major open-air mass at Royal Randwick, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers are tipped to gather.  

The visit is expected to coincide with the October long weekend, potentially placing the papal appearance on the same day as the NRL grand final at Accor Stadium. 

The anticipated visit follows an invitation extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shortly after Pope Leo’s appointment.  

Church sources told the Daily Telegraph that preparations were moving ahead on the assumption the pontiff would attend.  

“The expectation is that we will get a papal visit in 2028, which we’re all very excited about,” the source said. 

Organisers are already considering how to manage large crowds and clergy participation, with comparisons drawn to the massive turnout during Pope Benedict XVI’s World Youth Day visit in 2008.  

“Historically, you will see that masses at the congress have been held on a Sunday and I would expect that to continue,” sources said.  

“Every priest from across Sydney will attend, just like 2008 (when Pope Benedict visited) and every priest in attendance will help deliver communion … They’ll each serve between 200 and 300 members of the congregation.  

“Back in 2008 there were no Sunday masses (across Sydney) but it is obviously a few years away and a bit early to definitively be making those decisions.” 

The International Eucharistic Congress is held every four years and is considered one of the Catholic Church’s most significant global gatherings. 

Sydney last hosted the event in 1928, making the upcoming congress a centenary occasion for the Harbour City.

Melbourne staged the most recent Australian congress in 1973, which drew major international religious figures. 

More than 500,000 people travelled to Sydney for the 2008 papal visit. 

SkyNews.com.au has contacted the NSW Premier’s office for comment.