Washington D.C., Dec 5, 2007 / 11:38 am (CNA).- The Catholic University of America has announced that Pope Benedict XVI will visit the campus during his April trip to Washington, D.C. and has dedicated a website to the visit.

University President Monsignor David M. O’Connor, C.M., confirmed the announcement in a letter.  “We look forward to Pope Benedict XVI’s April visit to The Catholic University of America with tremendous anticipation and enthusiasm,” he said.  He described the visit as “an honor beyond measure.”

Catholic University is the only papally chartered university in the United States.

University officials expressed hope that current students, faculty, and staff could see the Holy Father as he arrives on and departs from campus.  However, due to security concerns the university will be closed on the day of the visit, April 17.

Pope John Paul II visited Catholic University in 1979, where he delivered an address on Catholic higher education.

Pope Benedict previously visited the university before he was elected to the papacy

During his visit to the Catholic University campus, Pope Benedict will address an invitation-only audience on themes in Catholic education.  The audience will include the presidents of Catholic colleges and universities and Catholic school superintendents representing each U.S. diocese.

For more information on his visit please visit http://papalvisit.cua.edu/

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