On Saturday 21st May, Benedict XVI's agenda includes an unusual moment: an audio-visual
satellite link-up with astronauts in a station in space. An event organized by the
European Space Agency.
By doing this the pope will be following in the footsteps
of the twentieth century pope, Paul VI who in 1969 at the time of the first moon landing
became the first Roman Pontiff to send a message hurtling through space.
For
Pope Paul, the moonwalk was a recognition of the greatness of God's handiwork. The
moon itself he personified poetically as the pale lamp of our nights and dreams....
Listen
to this programme produced by Veronica Scarisbrick :