Pope's July trip to Spain will be short but busy, says archbishop

Published: 2006-06-01

MADRID, Spain (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to Spain will be short but busy, said a Spanish archbishop. In a May 30 press conference, Archbishop Agustin Garcia-Gasco of Valencia said the city is in the final stages of preparations for the papal visit. The pope plans to visit Spain as part of the Fifth World Meeting of Families, a meeting convened by the pope every three years. Families from six continents will meet to discuss the challenges they face in the 21st century. On July 8-9, in little more than 24 hours, the pope will meet with the Spanish royal family and with President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. He also will celebrate Mass and visit Valencia's cathedral and pray at both the Basilica of the Virgin and in the Plaza of the Virgin.

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