Venice, Italy, Oct 8, 2010 / 10:57 am
It was with "great joy and emotion" that the Patriarch of Venice, Cardinal Angelo Scola, revealed plans for a papal visit to his archdiocese next spring. Benedict XVI will visit the cities of Venice and Aquileia from May 7-8, he announced.
During an annual pastoral meeting for priests at St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, Cardinal Scola confirmed that the Holy Father has accepted his invitation and will take part in important pastoral initiatives in the two locations.
The visit will begin on May 7 when the Pope will spend the afternoon with those preparing for an inter-diocesan conference in Aquileia. Representatives from all of the dioceses of northeastern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Austria will all be there for the opening.
Later that evening Benedict XVI will travel to Venice, where he will spend the night. On May 8 the Holy Father will participate in the conclusion of the Pastoral Visit that has been going on in the patriarchate since 2004.
Speaking to the priests in the cathedral, the cardinal patriarch told them that by "preparing ourselves carefully and living this extraordinary event together we will be able to better comprehend the precious signs that the Spirit has disseminated among us along this period of grace and so open ourselves to the future full of hope."
He invited all Church members and realities in the dioceses to "mobilize themselves" to welcome the Pope. He pointed out that it has been 26 years since John Paul II visited Venice. Paul VI also visited the city 40 years ago, he said, and Pope's Pius X, John XXIII and John Paul I all served as patriarchs there in the last century.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA