Vatican City, Jul 12, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Sources close to the Holy See said this week Pope Benedict XVI, who began a 17-day vacation on Monday in the Italian Alps, might take advantage of the brief time away from the Vatican to begin writing his first encyclical.
Vatican Radio quoted today the Italian Catholic newspaper “Avvenire” saying that the Pontiff has been working on the draft of his first encyclical “for weeks” and that he plans to finish it during this 18-day long vacation.
The Holy Father will stay at the same chalet in the village of Les Combes where John Paul II often vacationed. He arrived at the isolated chalet with three suitcases full of books, leading to speculation that he may spend much of his time drafting the first encyclical letter of his Pontificate.
The Bishop of the diocese of Aosta, Giuseppe Anfossi, said today that Pope Benedict XVI has chosen "a more private, quiet period of time, with less walks and more reading."
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA