The Holy See press office today formally announced the programme of Benedict XVI’s state visit to Britain in September.
The Vatican has probably chosen to release details now because the Curia starts to wind up business for the summer around this time of year. The Pope is also leaving for his three week summer holiday in Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday, and won’t be back in the Apostolic Palace until after the visit in October.
The official announcement also comes after an unexpected private audience on Friday between the Pope and Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster.
