Catholic World News News Feature

Pope to visit Sardinia in September August 19, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI will make a one-day visit to Sardinia on September 7, Vatican officials have announced.

The highlight of the papal trip to the island off Italy's western coast will be a visit to the shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria. The Pontiff will also make time for meetings with seminarians and with young people.

In 1908, Pope St. Pius X officially proclaimed Our Lady of Bonaria the patroness of Sardinia. To marked the centennial of that decree, Church leaders on the island have encouraged pilgrimages to the shrine, and the revered image of Our Lady has been carried on a tour of all Sardinian dioceses.