Portsmouth: Papal Nuncio visits Royal Navy

Morning Prayer at St Ann's

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Mennini visited the Royal Navy at Portsmouth yesterday a the invitation of the Naval Chaplaincy Service.

He was hosted by the Second Sea Lord, Admiral Jonathan Woodcock at Admiralty House in the historic naval base at Portsmouth and accompanied by Mgr Andrew McFadden the Principal Catholic Chaplain to the Royal Navy.

Archbishop Mennini attended Morning Prayers with naval community at St Ann's, the Naval church in the Dockyard. He then went to sea to join the crew of HMS CATTISTOCK which ,was anchored at Spithead, off Isle of Wight. The ship hoisted the yellow and white Papal Flag for the occasion - probably the first time in history that a ship of the Royal Navy has flown the Papal flag.

The Archbishop spent the whole morning on board meeting the crew, before he was taken by fleet tender to the Maritime Warfare School at HMS COLLINGWOOD, to join officers and ratings for the celebration of Mass and a special lunch to mark the first visit of an Apostolic to the Senior Service.

Following the visit, Mgr Andrew McFadden said: "The Royal Navy did the Nuncio proud. He really was treated as a VIP visitor. As well as meeting Chaplains and Senior Officers, he had plenty of time to chat with sailors including the ship's company of HMS CATTISTOCK. The Naval Chaplaincy Service was truly honoured by the visit".