Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Program Readied for Papal Fatima Trip

Benedict XVI Heads to Portugal in May

LISBON, Portugal, DEC. 10, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The program for Benedict XVI's May 11-14 trip to Portugal has been confirmed, with visits to Lisbon, Fatima and Porto.

The program of the visit was announced on Monday in Lisbon by Bishop Carlos Azevedo, coordinator-general of the papal visit.

According to the program, on May 11, the Holy Father will arrive in Lisbon. At 12:45 p.m. there will be a welcome ceremony in the Portuguese capital, followed by a courtesy visit to the president.

At 6:15 p.m., the Pope will preside over Mass in Lisbon, but the venue is yet to be determined.

Bishop Azevedo, who is president of the bishops' Commission for Social Pastoral Ministry, said that, during the Mass, the Pope will deliver "a fundamental message for this period in which we are living, which is the challenge of sanctity." Sanctity will be the theme of the visit to Lisbon.

At 10 a.m. on May 12, the Pontiff will meet with representatives of the world of culture. At noon he will meet with the Brazilian prime minister in the apostolic nunciature.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 6:38 PM