Queen's Speech: Papal visit
Notes on: "We also look forward to receiving His Holiness Pope Benedict the Sixteenth in September."
His Holiness The Pope will visit the UK for an official Papal Visit on 16-19 September 2010. This will be the first ever official Papal Visit to the UK (the visit in 1982 by Pope John Paul II was a pastoral one only).
The Pope will be visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Coventry.
Key highlights of the programme include public masses in Glasgow and Coventry, the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman at the Coventry Mass, a prayer vigil in London, a major speech to civil society at Westminster Hall, an education event, a visit to Lambeth Palace and prayers with the leaders of other churches in Westminster Abbey.
The Papal Visit represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen ties between the UK and the Holy See on areas of common interest such as global action to tackle poverty and climate change, as well as the important role of faith groups in creating strong communities.