Benedict XVI is acknowledging the signs of faith in the United Kingdom, and looking ahead with anticipation to his upcoming visit there. The Pope affirmed this today in an audience with the bishops of England and Wales who are in Rome on their five-yearly “ad limina” visit. “Even amid the pressures of a secular age,” he said, “there are many signs of living faith and devotion among the Catholics of England and Wales.”
The Pontiff mentioned in particular “the enthusiasm generated by the visit of the relics of St. Thérèse, the interest aroused by the prospect of Cardinal Newman’s beatification, and the eagerness of young people to take part in pilgrimages and World Youth Days. On the occasion of my forthcoming Apostolic Visit to Great Britain, I shall be able to witness that faith for myself and, as Successor of Peter, to strengthen and confirm it.”
The Pope plans to visit the United Kingdom in September.
The Holy Father urged the bishops to, “during the months of preparation that lie ahead, be sure to encourage the Catholics of England and Wales in their devotion, and assure them that the Pope constantly remembers them in his prayers and holds them in his heart.” He exhorted the prelates to “ensure that the Church’s moral teaching be always presented in its entirety and convincingly defended.Continue to insist upon your right to participate in national debate through respectful dialogue with other elements in society,” Benedict XVI added.
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 1, 2010 (Zenit.org)