News.Scotland.Org

Pope Benedict XIV is set to make the first ever official Papal visit to Britain in decades. And, the Catholic Church have given a very strong indication that the Pope might visit Scotland and if that happens it will be the first Papal visit to Scotland in almost 30 years.

While on the forefront he is expected to meet the Queen, stay at the Buckingham and also convene a meeting with the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, it is also expected that he will be visiting Scotland’s two most important cities – Edinburgh, the capital city and Glasgow its largest city. As of now the draft itinerary includes Oxford, Birmingham and Edinburgh. He is also projected to address a crowd of thousands at the famous Glasgow Green. Though the details have not yet been fully confirmed, it is anticipated that the Pope will arrive at Scotland in the month of September, probably on the 16th and 17th.

Peter Kearney, spokesman for the Catholic Church of Scotland had this to say about this much awaited visit “The Catholic Church expects and hopes to be able to welcome Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland later this year as part of his UK visit. Although we still await an official confirmation that the visit will take place we hope that the Pope will be able to travel to Scotland and look forward to welcoming him.”

With Gordon Brown extending an invitation during an audience, preparations have been in full swing and it looks like this historic event will overshadow the pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II in 1982. The visit follows constant overtures from Downing Street and the Catholic leaders over the past few years. In spite of the fact that there was no official confirmation from the Holy See or Downing Street, a spokesman for Mr Brown said last night: “The PM is obviously delighted at the prospect of a visit from Pope Benedict XVI to Britain. It would be a moving and momentous occasion for the whole country and he would undoubtedly receive the warmest of welcomes.”

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