Newman in the News

Pope confirms visit to Britain

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

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Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed he will visit Britain later this year.

Following weeks of speculation, he told the Catholic bishops of England and Wales during an address in Rome yesterday that he will be making his first apostolic visit to the country.

However, his visit will not include Ireland.

The pontiff is expected to travel to England on September 16 and Scotland on September 19.

The pope's visit is being held partly to mark the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, bringing him a step closer to becoming England's first non-martyred saint since the Reformation.

It is the first visit to England by a pope since John Paul II's trip in 1982.

Cardinal Sean Brady yesterday offered his best wishes to clerics and the faithful in Britain following Pope Benedict's "wonderful news".

"I offer my blessings and good wishes to the Catholic community in their preparations for the Pope's visit and for the Beatification of the Venerable John Henry Newman," he said.

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