The Vatican has confirmed hopes that recently elected Pope Benedict XVI would travel to Bari to close Italy’s National Eucharistic Conference.

Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released a statement earlier today saying, "I can confirm that the Holy Father Benedict XVI will travel to Bari, Italy, on the morning of May 29, Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, for the closing of the 24th National Eucharistic Congress."