Westminster Abbey to Welcome Pope Benedict XVI
Tuesday, 16th March 2010
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster will welcome Pope Benedict XVI to a service at Westminster Abbey during his visit to the United Kingdom in September.
Her Majesty’s Government today announced that during his visit to the UK between September 16th and 19th the Pope will visit the Abbey after meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace and giving an address at Westminster Hall.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said today:
We look forward to welcoming the Pope to Westminster Abbey to worship almighty God and to pray with representatives of the Churches of the United Kingdom.
Heads of State traditionally visit the Grave of the Unknown Warrior when they come to the United Kingdom. It will be a powerful and poignant experience to pray with the Pope at the Grave. The Pope with the Archbishop of Canterbury will also pray in the Shrine of St Edward, King and Confessor, in the context of a service of evening prayer.
The Abbey is frequently the host of the leaders of the Churches and Christian communities of Britain and it will be a pleasure to welcome them and members of their churches on this important occasion.
