Pope Benedict gives farewell address to UK

Birmingham, England, Sep 19, 2010 / 13:03 pm

Before embarking on the papal plane for his return flight to Rome, the Holy Father marked the end of his visit to the U.K. by recalling events within the last four days and thanking profusely all who demonstrated “hospitality” to him. Pope Benedict also expressed his hope that the trip helped strengthen “the excellent relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.”

“I am very grateful for all the hard work of preparation, on the part of both the present and the previous Government, the civil service, local authorities and police, and the many volunteers who patiently helped to prepare for the events of these four days,” he began. “Thank you for the warmth of your welcome and for the hospitality that I have enjoyed.”

“During my time with you, I have been able to meet representatives of the many communities, cultures, languages and religions that make up British society.”

“The very diversity of modern Britain is a challenge to its Government and people,” the Pontiff said,  “but it also represents a great opportunity to further intercultural and interreligious dialogue for the enrichment of the entire community.”

“In these days, I was grateful for the opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen, as well as yourself and other political leaders, and to be able to discuss matters of common interest, both at home and abroad,” he noted. “I was particularly honoured to be invited to address both Houses of Parliament in the historic precincts of Westminster Hall.”

“I sincerely hope that these occasions will contribute to confirming and strengthening the excellent relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom, especially in cooperation for international development, in care for the natural environment, and in the building of a civil society with a renewed sense of shared values and common purpose,” the Holy Father underscored.

“It was also my pleasure to visit His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops of the Church of England, and later to pray with them and our fellow Christians in the evocative surroundings of Westminster Abbey, a place which speaks so eloquently of our shared traditions and culture.”

“As Britain is home to so many religious traditions,” he added, “I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet their representatives and to share some thoughts with them about the contribution that the religions can offer to the development of a healthy pluralistic society.”

“Naturally, my visit was directed in a special way to the Catholics of the United Kingdom,” Pope Benedict said. “I treasure the time spent with the bishops, clergy, religious and laity, and with teachers, pupils and older people.”

“It was especially moving to celebrate with them, here in Birmingham, the beatification of a great son of England, Cardinal John Henry Newman,” he emphasized. “With his vast legacy of scholarly and spiritual writings, I am certain that he still has much to teach us about Christian living and witness amid the challenges of today’s world, challenges which he foresaw with such remarkable clarity.”

“As I take my leave of you, let me assure you once again of my good wishes and prayers for the peace and prosperity of Great Britain,” the Holy Father concluded. “Thank you very much and God bless you all!”