Vatican City, Feb 5, 2010 / 10:53 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI used the occasion of the Scottish bishops’ “ad Limina” visit to officially announce his intentions to make a visit their country later this year. The declaration comes just days after the Holy Father confirmed his plans to go to England.

“Later this year,” said the Pope, “I shall have the joy of being present with you and the Catholics of Scotland on your native soil.”

No other details have been made official, but the Holy Father told the Scottish clergy that as they prepare for his arrival to “encourage your people to pray that it will be a time of grace for the whole Catholic community.”

The confirmation of a stop in Scotland follows the Pope’s announcement to bishops from England and Wales on Monday of his intention to visit Great Britain later this year. On that occasion, he said that he anticipated the opportunity to be able to witness the faith of Great Britain for himself and "to strengthen and confirm it."

He also asked the bishops of those nations to encourage the faithful in their devotion "and assure them that the Pope constantly remembers them in his prayers and holds them in his heart."

The last time a Pontiff visited the northernmost country in the United Kingdom was when Pope John Paul II was there in 1982.

02:26 pm | Benedict XVI sends condolences for death of Egyptian Sheikh

12:59 pm | Father Lombardi responds to Pontifical Academy for Life member, refutes claims

12:18 pm | Diocese of Dallas receives two of its own as bishops

11:32 am | Pope urges priests to offer Confession and educate faithful on sin

08:26 am | Michigan diocese investigates miracle attributed to former bishop

Catholic Voices experts to prepare way for Pope's visit to Britain

Portuguese bishops to discuss upcoming papal visit during assembly

Benedict XVI to visit Cyprus in June of 2010

Pope’s visit has put the Church at the center of Czech society, cardinal says