The Diocese of Aosta confirmed the news and said in a press statement that Benedict XVI would be on vacation July 11-28.
In a note, Bishop Giuseppe Anfossi specified that «the Holy Father, accepting the diocese’s invitation, will spend a period of rest in Les Combes.»
The two-story Salesian house where he will stay offers a view of Mont Blanc.
Recently, Alberto Cerise, the Aosta region’s adviser on the environment, who accompanied John Paul II on his excursions to the mountains, mentioned that he has prepared a series of itineraries for Benedict XVI’s outings.
It is expected that during his holidays the Pope will be accompanied by his brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger.
The Pope will leave for Introd, which is near Les Combes, from Rome. On his return, he will go directly to the summer papal resident of Castel Gandolfo.
John Paul II spent his holidays in Les Combes on 10 occasions.