Officials confirm papal visit to Lourdes to mark Marian apparitions

Published: 2007-11-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Officials confirmed Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France to mark the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions there, but said the exact time period of the papal visit was not yet known. Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes, who is in charge of the preparations for the jubilee celebrations, said the papal journey was "a sure thing." The bishop and others spoke to journalists during a Nov. 13 Vatican press conference, unveiling details of the yearlong jubilee celebrations. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, head of the Vatican press office, said the papal trip "most probably" would have Lourdes as its sole destination and for now would not include stops in other cities. Bishop Perrier said he is often asked if the pope will arrive at Lourdes for one of the "significant moments" for the church, such as Feb. 11, the day the apparitions began and also the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, or Aug. 15, the feast of the Assumption. Bishop Perrier said whatever date the pope decides for his visit would be a significant moment for them.

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