Support groups of church sex abuse victims have voiced their disappointment over being excluded from meeting with Pope Benedict.

AUDIO: Chris MacIssac talks to SBS Onine

AUDIO: Anthony Foster speaks to SBS Online

BLOG: On Tour with the Pope: the Papal apology

RELATED: Pope meets sex abuse victims

IN-DEPTH: World Youth Day

The Pontiff, who met with select victims of clergy abuse at a private mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, left Sydney the morning, drawing World Youth Day celebrations to an end.

Chris MacIssac of Broken Rites says her support group was excluded because they were highly critical of the Church’s handling of past sex abuse cases.

Ms MacIssac also voiced her disappointment at the exclusion of Anthony Foster, the high profile father or two rape victims, who had travelled from Scotland to meet the Pope.

Mr Foster told SBS he found it "incredulous" the Catholic Church chose not to meet with groups and individuals who could best articulate the plight of victims in Australia.

Pope thanks Australia

The pontiff thanked Australia for the warm welcome extended to him and to countless pilgrims who've flocked here from every corner of the globe.

He said he's especially grateful to the families of Australia and New Zealand who've made room for the young people in their homes .. and to all those who've opened their doors and their hearts to the world's youth.

The Pope said the principle actors on stage have been the young people themselves .. and he's thanked them too for making it a great celebration of youth and what it is to be the church.

Grateful Rudd

The prime minister has thanked the Pope for making the long journey to Australia for World Youth Day.

In a brief farewell ceremony at Sydney airport this morning Kevin Rudd asked the Holy Father to keep Australians in his prayers as we work to shape a better world for the future.

He said his Holiness' visit had been of great significance to Australian Catholics .. to the wider Australian Christian community and to all Australians.

The pope's chartered Qantas plane bearing the Australian and papal flags is bound for Rome