The Catholic Church intends showcasing its green spirit for the Pope's encounter with youth with a stage that will be built entirely with eco-friendly materials.

The stage was designed by a team of young people led by 25-year-old architect Daniel Darmanin, who had the tough job of coming up with a structure capable of hosting dancing, live bands, a discussion and a world leading figure.

Speaking about the stage, which will be built out of engineered wood (oriented strand board), the young architect said that, in this way, once the event was over, the material could be reused or recycled and not left unused in a garage, as happened in the past.

A large cross would take centre stage, modelled on the idea that Christ was at the centre of the activity and the Pope a way of arriving to Christ, Mr Darmanin explained.

The stage will also have a large canopy that will shield the Pontiff from the April afternoon sun.

The event, which will be held at Valletta Waterfront on April 18, is being given particular importance because it was the Maltese bishops who specifically asked for an encounter between the Pope and young people. The Mass on the Granaries and his pilgrimage to St Paul's Grotto were events chosen by the Vatican in advance, Fr Charles Cordina, a member of the organising committee, said.

"We could have organised a meeting with all the Maltese clergy but the bishops felt that a meeting with young people would be better because they are the future of the Church and our country," Fr Cordina said.

The event in itself would not be focused so much on the Pope but would be a vehicle for the Church to meet young people, Fr Savio Vella sdb said, explaining that over 500 young people had been involved in the organisation of the event.

The event will kick off at 2.30 p.m. with a concert by various artistes and bands. A 90-strong choir will take the stage at 4.30 p.m., preparing the mood for Pope Benedict's arrival at 5.15 p.m.

After crossing the Grand Harbour from Kalkara on a catamaran, in the hour the German Pontiff will spend with the expected flock of 14,000, four representatives of young people will address him about their concerns.

The Pope will then reply to the addresses, coming from a young person involved within the Church, a young family, a man preparing for the priesthood and someone distant from the Church.

As the Pope then heads to the airport, activities at the Waterfront continue with more music.

The event would feature the cream of Malta's crop of Christian bands and Winter Moods will give a 25-minute set, after repeated suggestions by young people, musical coordinator Bernard Catania said.

Winter Moods frontman Ivan Grech thanked the Church for the opportunity and encouraged young people to register for the event online.

So far, hundreds have already registered and those wishing to attend are encouraged to do so at popemalta.org.

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