VATICAN CITY, NOV. 29, 2010 (Zenit.org) .- Benedict XVI may visit Monaco in 2012, which would be the first visit of a Pope to the city-state since the 16th century.
In a letter sent to Archbishop Bernard Barsi of Monaco, the Holy See confirmed the intention of the Pope to visit, but that the Holy Father’s calendar for 2011 is too full. A trip in 2012, the letter added, would be «feasible.»
The Holy Father was invited to visit Monaco by Prince Albert II, and by the archbishop. Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, confirmed the news to ZENIT on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Archbishop Barsi said that for Monaco it would «obviously be an extraordinary joy to welcome the Pope.»
Benedict XVI received in audience Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Vatican on Oct. 16, 2009.
