POPE Benedict XVI will help deliver as much as $400,000 to Wangaratta’s economy next month.

Around 15,000 pilgrims will visit the city as they make their way to Sydney to join his holiness to celebrate their Catholic faith at World Youth Day celebrations from July 15 to 20.

Wangaratta, together with Holbrook and Goulburn, have been chosen as official pilgrim rest areas along the Hume Freeway.

World Youth Day transport program manager, Matthew Joyce, said some 500 buses transporting approximately 15,000 domestic and international pilgrims, from over 80 countries, will spend time in Wangaratta over a 12 day period.

"They’ll briefly rest, purchase food and drink, take part in a pilgrim prayer experience and then continue on their journey," Mr Joyce said.

"Working in conjunction with the Rural City of Wangaratta, we have selected the Wangaratta Racecourse as the location for the rest area.