Pope to visit New York and Washington

Pope Benedict is planning to visit Washington and New York next April, the US Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro Sambi, announced yesterday. The Holy Father is due to arrive in Washington on 15 April, when he will receive an official welcome at the White House. Later in his visit he will address the American Bishops. The Pope's 81st birthday takes place on 16 April. The visit will include a Papal Mass at the Washington Nationals baseball stadium, meetings with the heads of Catholic universities and diocesan educational leaders. The Pope will also attend an interreligious meeting at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Centre. On 18 April, he will address the United Nations in New York and attend an ecumenical meeting. The following day, the Holy Father will concelebrate Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral. Pope Benedict's New York visit will also include Mass at Yankee Stadium and a visit to Ground Zero. Source: Vatican Radio