Vatican City, Mar 3, 2010 / 08:38 am
The Holy Father will make a trip to Spain this year, according to announcements from both sides of the Mediterranean on Wednesday. On Nov. 6 he will be in Santiago de Compostela for the Year of St. James celebrations. Then, on Nov. 7 he will visit Barcelona to bless Antoni Gaudi's famous and unique "Sagrada Familia" Cathedral.
The visit to Santiago de Compostela, the site of St. James' tomb and the destination of thousands who walk the "camino," or path of St. James every year, comes on the 900th anniversary of the construction of the city's cathedral.
Archbishop Julian Barrio Barrio confirmed the announcement in a press conference from the northwestern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. According to the local newspaper "El Correo Gallego," Archbishop Barrio expressed "profound gratitude" for the Pope's decision to visit, because "it will fill us with satisfaction and ... happiness."
The archbishop said that the diocese will make every effort to receive the Pope warmly on his arrival "as a pilgrim of the faith and witness of the risen Christ."