Archbishop Nichols Addresses Cost, Opportunities of Pope's UK Visit
(July 09, 2010) As details for the upcoming Papal visit to the United Kingdom continue
to be announced, Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster recently discussed some
of the opportunities that will be available for the people of England to follow the
Pope on his trip. The British prelate also addressed the cost of the September 16-19
visit, which has been the subject of recent media criticism. Speaking to Vatican
Radio, Archbishop Nichols, current president of the Bishops’ Conference of England
and Wales, explained that preparations are being made to offer ample opportunity for
the faithful to participate in the Holy Father's visit to the country. “There are
three large outdoor events in three different locations and in an age of safety regulations,
security problems, these are a real challenge,” the archbishop said. “Then there will
be drives that the Pope will make in the Pope mobile through the centres of the cities,
and that will give a lot more people the chance to come out and to greet him and to
show him their support,” he continued. The Church will provide full live coverage
on website and has produced a booklet with all of the liturgies that the Pope will
preside at, so that people could participate watching it on television or attend directly.
Access to papal events will not be limited to Catholics alone, said Archbishop Nichols.
Non-Catholics wishing to attend must go through their local Catholic parish, he explained.
The Prelate added that parishes across England and Wales will be told how to apply
for invitations to particular papal event.