LONDON, SEPT. 25, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The president of the bishops’ conference of England and Wales is looking forward to a possible papal visit to the United Kingdom next year.
Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster said this in a statement posted on the diocesan Web page Wednesday, after news outlets in the country were reporting that government sources revealed that an official Holy See announcement of the trip would come soon.
«We are encouraged and pleased at the news which has emerged about the possible official visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the U.K. next year,» the archbishop said. «We are glad the Holy Father is giving such consideration to the invitations he has received from Her Majesty’s government, which accord closely to the wishes and requests also expressed by the bishops of England and Wales.
«The prospect of a visit by Pope Benedict fills us with joy.»
Pope John Paul II was the last Pope to visit Britain. He traveled there in 1982.
