Pope thanks government, police, organizers for successful trip

September 20, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI thanked the people for the United Kingdom for their warm welcome, and paid special tribute to the organizers of his visit the Great Britain, before boarding his plane for a return flight to Rome on September 19.

In a brief ceremony at Birmingham airport on Sunday, the Pope received the parting best wishes of Prime Minister David Cameron, then offered his thanks to the “present and previous government, the civil service, local authorities and police, and the many volunteers” who had helped with his trip.

The Pontiff spoke of his meetings with Queen Elizabeth and with political leaders, and his address to Parliament, saying that the hoped they would “contribute to confirming and strengthening the excellent relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.” He also mentioned his meetings with Anglican leaders. Finally he spoke of the joy that he felt in meeting and praying with the Catholics of the nation, especially at the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman. “With his vast legacy of scholarly and spiritual writings,” the Pope said, “I am certain that he still has much to teach us about Christian living and witness amid the challenges of today's world, challenges which he foresaw with such remarkable clarity.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Thanks British for Warm Welcome and Hospitality (VIS)