Thursday, October 01, 2009

Archbishop of Canterbury 'delighted' at Pope Benedict XVI visit to Britain

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has said he is "delighted" that Pope Benedict XVI is to make an official visit to Britain next year.

Dr Williams, who yesterday was visiting the Anglican Church in Japan, welcome the news that the pope is set to visit, the first visit in almost 30 years.

"Some time ago, following similar invitations from Roman Catholic bishops and the British Government, I personally expressed my hope to Pope Benedict that he would accept the invitation to visit Britain," he said.

"I am therefore delighted to hear that there is every possibility that the Pope may indeed visit Britain in the course of the next year.

"I'm sure I speak on behalf of Anglicans throughout Britain, in assuring him that he would be received with great warmth and joy."

The Vatican is set to announce the visit, which is likely to be next autumn, in the coming days. Buckingham Palace is expected to agree to the invitation.

The visit would be only the second since Henry VIII broke with Rome and established the Church of England 500 years ago. It will be the first time the Pope has visited Britain since Pope John Paul II in 1982.

Gordon Brown personally asked the Pope to make a visit to Britain when he visited the Vatican in February. It is thought the Pope could hold a Mass at Wembley Stadium, much like John Paul II did almost 30 years ago.

A spokesman for Mr Brown said: "The PM is obviously delighted at the prospect of a visit from Pope Benedict XVI to Britain.

"It would be a moving and momentous occasion for the whole country and he would undoubtedly receive the warmest of welcomes."

David Cameron, the Conservative leader, said he was "delighted" to hear about the possible visit.

A spokesman for the National Secular Society said it would organise "a coalition of groups to make clear to the Pope that whatever celebrations the Government lays on for him, he is not welcomed here by everyone".
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer

No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to us or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.

The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that we agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.

SIC: TTUK