FATIMA, Portugal, NOV. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The details of Benedict XVI’s trip to Portugal next May will depend on the Pope’s own wishes for the journey.
But the Portuguese prelates have given him a proposal for the May 11-14 trip, the president of that nation’s episcopal conference affirmed Thursday in Fatima.
«The Holy Father always has the last word,» Archbishop Jorge Ortiga said.
He added that the Pontiff’s pilgrimage will include meetings with the world of culture, charity workers and priests and ministers. His meetings with politicians and representatives of civic life are still to be determined.
In the final communiqué from their plenary assembly this week, the Portuguese bishops affirm their hope that Benedict XVI’s visit will bring a «revitalization of faith and a testimony of justice and charity, in these times in which so many of our brothers and sisters live with great difficulties.»
