Papal Trip to Lourdes Confirmed

(13 Nov 07 RV ) It was confirmed today that Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France to mark the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions there.

Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes, who is in charge of the preparations for the jubilee celebrations, confirmed the visit as he spoke to journalists during a Nov. 13 Vatican press conference, unveiling details of the yearlong jubilee celebrations.

The exact date of the Papal visit has yet to be finalised.

Cardinal Ivan Dias, president of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will lead celebrations opening the jubilee in Lourdes Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.