Birmingham, England, Sep 19, 2010 / 07:56 am
Behind the crowds who came to see the Pope are "hearts and minds that understand" the Pope's message, said Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi at his daily briefing. Noting Britain's "wonderful reception" of Benedict XVI, he gauged the U.K.'s response to the four-day visit as "very, very positive."
At one point in the press briefing, held outdoors at Birmingham's Cofton Park on Sunday, the Vatican spokesman showed his personal devotion to the Eucharist, interrupting a comment at mid-sentence immediately upon hearing the bells that signaled the consecration of the bread and wine at the nearby altar. He was silent in front of the cameras and recording devices for more than two minutes.
Speaking of the Holy Father's impression on the U.K., he said that the fact that thousands of people have met him and that many more have seen and heard him are a testament to just "how good the trip has been." The Pope's message about the positive contribution of Catholics and the Christian faith to society have been "received very well," added the spokesman, saying that this was "one of the most important points of his message for society in general here."
He also said that it is "wonderful that all the Catholics feel encouraged ... encouraged also to give a positive witness to their faith in society here."