(November 19, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI will make an official visit to his homeland
next year, his third trip to Germany since his election in 2005, the German president's
office announced on Friday. The Vatican also confirmed the visit. The Pope will
visit Berlin, along with the Erfurt diocese in eastern Germany and the Freiburg diocese
in the country's southwest, President Christian Wulff's office said. The visit will
take place in the second half of 2011, likely September, but no exact dates were given.
Pope Benedict has been to Germany twice – to Cologne in 2005 and to his native Bavaria
the following year. “The Holy Father's visit will be a significant moment in the life
of our country and the life of our church,” said Freiburg Archbishop Robert Zollitsch,
the head of the German Bishops Conference. He said the visit “will strengthen the
church in Germany and its service for people and society.” The German visit will
be the third foreign trip announced for the pope in 2011. He also is due to travel
to Croatia in June and Madrid in August for World Youth Day.