Benedict XVI’s trip to Germany next September was officially confirmed by Archbishop Robert Zollitsch, archbishop of Freiburg im Breisgau.
In a statement, the archbishop noted that the Pope will travel to Germany from Sept. 22-25, and that it will be considered a state visit. The Holy Father received invitations from both the president of Germany, Christian Wulff, and the country’s episcopal conference.
Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit three cities — Berlin, Freiburg and Erhfurt — but the statement of the archdiocese noted that no official itinerary had been set. It did not, however, that it “will begin shortly. ”
Archbishop Zollitsch reported as well that the plenary of the German Bishops’ Conference scheduled for early October in Fulda will be moved to another date, yet to be confirmed.
In addition to visiting his homeland, Benedict XVI is scheduled to take three other international trips in 2011: Croatia (June 4-5), Spain (August 18-21) and Benin (Nov. 18-20).
He will take four trips within Italy: Venice (May 7-8), San Marino (June 19), Ancona (Sept. 11) and Lamezia Terme (Oct. 9).
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2010 (Zenit.org)