Vatican City, Jun 5, 2009 / 13:39 pm
The Holy See's press office announced today that Pope Benedict XVI will leave for vacation in northern Italy from July 13-29, without knowing if President Barack Obama, who will be in Italy for the G8 summit, will formally request an audience with the Pope.
From Monday, July 13 to Wednesday, July 29, the Pope will spend vacation time at Les Combes di Introd, in the northwestern Italian province of Valle d'Aosta.
On July 19, the Pope will visit the town of Romano Canavese in the diocese of Ivrea, where he will preside over the Angelus prayer. On Sunday, July 26, he will visit the town of Les Combes, also praying the Angelus there.
The general audiences of Wednesday 15, 22 and 29 will be suspended.
President Obama will travel to Italy to attend the G8 summit in the Italian town of L’Aquila, July 8-10, but he will reside at the U.S. embassy in Rome. The Vatican has not yet been contacted by the White House for a possible meeting between the President and Pope Benedict XVI.