Berlin, Germany, Feb 13, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Archbishop of Munich, Cardinal Friedrich Wetter, has revealed new details about the visit Pope Benedict XVI is planning to make to his homeland in September, saying the Pontiff may celebrate a public Mass in his archdiocese.
The cardinal said the Pope’s visit is scheduled for September 10-15, although the Holy See has not yet confirmed the dates. According to Cardinal Wetter, the Pope may celebrate a Mass in Munich and visit the Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, where he was consecrated bishop in 1977.
“We will prepare a warm and dignified welcome for him,” the cardinal explained. In addition to Munich, the Pope may also visit Regensburg, Altoettig and Marktl am Inn, where he was born. The Pope was archbishop of Munich and Friesing from 1977 until 1981, when he was called to Rome.