PARIS (CWN) The French bishops’ conference has confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI will visit Paris and Lourdes in September. In May 2007 the Holy Father accepted an invitation from Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, then the president of the French episcopal conference, to visit Lourdes this year for ceremonies marking the 150th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s appearances to St. Bernadette Soubirous. No date was set for the papal visit at that time.
In March of this year the newspaper Figaro carried a report that the papal visit would be September 12- 14 and would include a visit to Paris. The French bishops have now confirmed that report, with a slight revision of the dates; the trip will be September 12- 15.
The Pope will begin his visit in Paris, with his schedule including Vespers at Notre Dame cathedral, a meeting with young people and a public papal Mass. On September 13, Pope Benedict will travel to Lourdes for the anniversary observances there. The Holy See has not yet formally announced the timing of the papal trip. The Vatican traditionally reveals plans for a papal voyage only a few weeks before the trip takes plans.