Bishop Kieran, alongside the other bishops of England and Wales, took part this morning in the audience with Pope Benedict. The follwoing is a report from Rome:
The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about his forthcoming Apostolic Visit to Great Britain in his address to the bishops of England and Wales on the occasion of their Ad Limina visit to Rome. This General Audience took place on the morning of Monday 1 February 2010.
The Apostolic Visit is taking place in response to an invitation extended by the State.
The Holy Father said:“Even amid the pressures of a secular age, there are many signs of living faith and devotion among the Catholics of England and Wales. I am thinking for example of the enthusiasm generated by the visit of the relics of St Thérèse, the interest aroused by the prospect of Cardinal Newman’s beatification and the eagerness of young people to take part in pilgrimages and World Youth Days.
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.”
Full text of the Holy Father's address to the Bishops of England and Wales
No date for the visit has yet been confirmed
You tube have a video of part of the Audience: http://www.youtube.com/vatican#p/a/u/0/CcyzQxYuEx0
