Vatican City, Sep 8, 2010 / 14:15 pm
At today's general audience in Vatican City, Pope Benedict commented on his Sept. 16-19 visit to the United Kingdom, emphasizing his anticipation of the event and expressing his gratitude for the effort that has gone into the preparations.
“I am very much looking forward to my visit to the United Kingdom in a week's time and I send heartfelt greetings to all the people of Great Britain,” the Pope read in English on Wednesday.
“I am aware that a vast amount of work has gone into the preparations for the visit, not only by the Catholic community but by the Government, the local authorities in Scotland, London and Birmingham, the communications media and the security services, and I want to say how much I appreciate the efforts that have been made to ensure that the various events planned will be truly joyful celebrations.”
“Above all I thank the countless people who have been praying for the success of the visit and for a great outpouring of God's grace upon the Church and the people of your nation,” he noted.