Vatican City, Jul 3, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Vatican Information Service has released a brief schedule for the Holy Father’s vacation and summer residency.
In a statement today, the VIS said that Benedict XVI is scheduled to spend a period of rest at the alpine resort of Les Combes in the Italian region of Valle d'Aosta, from July 11th to 28th.
During this period, the Pope will not hold his Wednesday general audiences. He will, however, make his Angelus addresses on Sunday, July 16th, and Sunday, July 23rd, from Les Combes.
The Holy Father spent his summer vacation at Valle d’Aosta last year as well. During his vacation the pope dedicates his time to prayer and study as well as taking a few walks and hikes.
Upon the conclusion of his stay in Valle d'Aosta, the Pope will travel to his summer residence at Castelgandolfo south of Rome, where he will remain until the end of September.
Over the summer period, the pope traditionally suspends all private and special audiences, but holds his general audiences and Angelus addresses at Castelgandolfo.