A Vatican spokesman is confirming Benedict XVI’s September 16-19 trip to the United Kingdom. In a statement released today, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, affirmed that “accepting the invitation of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, and of the bishops’ conferences of England and Wales, and of Scotland, His Holiness Benedict XVI will make an apostolic trip to the United Kingdom from 16 to 19 September.”
The priest noted that the Pope will visit the queen “at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh,” Scotland. The Pontiff will also “preside at the celebration of the Eucharist in Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. In London he will meet representatives from the worlds of politics, culture and business in Westminster Hall,” the statement continued.
It noted that the Holy Father will “participate at an ecumenical celebration in Westminster Abbey, and preside at a Eucharist celebration in Westminster Cathedral and at a prayer vigil in Hyde Park.”
Father Lombardi concluded, “Finally, he will preside at the celebration of the rite of beatification of Venerable Cardinal John Henry Newman at Cofton Park, Birmingham.”
The theme chosen for the Papal visit, “Heart Speaks Unto Heart,” reflects the words of Cardinal Newman, and the hope that the hearts of many people will be impacted by the event.VATICAN CITY, JULY 5, 2010 (Zenit.org)