Pope to visit Switzerland for youth gathering in early June

Published: 2004-05-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II will travel to Switzerland in early June to preside over the country's first nationwide gathering of Catholic youths. The weekend visit June 5-6 will be the pope's first foreign trip since September. For months, Swiss bishops had been hoping the ailing pontiff would be able to come, and on May 3 the Vatican confirmed the papal visit. In a statement, the Swiss bishops invited young people to give the pope an enthusiastic welcome when he arrives. It will be the pope's third visit to Switzerland and the 103rd foreign trip of his pontificate. The pope's schedule is centered on the Catholic youth gathering in Bern, which is expected to draw thousands of young people.

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