Pope speaks of visit to UK

Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the many signs of living faith and devotion among the Catholics of England and Wales whilst confirming his intention to visit.  It has been reported that the visit will take place in September.

Addressing prelates from the Bishops' Conferenc e of England and Wales, who have just completed their ad limina visit to the Vatican, the Pope said, "On the occasion of my forthcoming apostolic visit to Great Britain, I shall be able to witness that faith for myself and, as Successor of Peter, to strengthen and confirm it.  During the months of preparation that lie ahead, be sure to encourage the Catholics of England and Wales in their devotion, and assure them that the Pope constantly remembers them in his prayers and holds them in his heart.”

"Your country,” the Pope told the bishops, "is well known for its firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of society.  Yet,” he noted, "the effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs.”

Here he was speaking of the current debate in the Houses of Parliament on the Equality Bill which churches fear may remove the right to turn down applicants for jobs on grounds of conscience, for example, if they are actively homosexual or have changed their gender.

“Fidelity to the Gospel in no way restricts the freedom of others; on the contrary, it serves their freedom by offering them the truth," stated the Pope.

He referred to Cardinal Newman’s outstanding example of faithfulness to revealed truth by following that 'kindly light' wherever it led him, even at considerable personal cost.  “Great writers and communicators of his stature and integrity are needed in the Church today, and it is my hope that devotion to him will inspire many to follow in his footsteps,” said the Pope.

He referred also to the Year of Priests stating that Newman is an example of dedication, prayer, pastoral sensitivity towards the needs of his flock, and passion for preaching the Gospel.

The Pope also spoke of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, calling for generosity "in implementing the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, so as to assist those groups of Anglicans who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.  I am convinced that, if given a warm and open-hearted welcome, such groups will be a blessing for the entire Church.”

In England, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said the visit would be a moving and momentous occasion for the entire country. 

In Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady welcomed the news of the Pope’s trip.  “I wish to convey my best wishes to the bishops, priests and lay faithful of England and Wales on the wonderful news announced today concerning the forthcoming visit of Pope Benedict to our nearest neighbours.”

 “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.

by Ann Marie Foley