June 30, 2012: Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Shrine of Loreto on 4th
October, said Archbishop Tonucci on Friday during the celebration of evening prayers
at the Shrine of Loreto. During his visit, the Pontiff will entrust to the intercession
of the Virgin Mary, the work of the Synod of Bishops and the Year of Faith, both of
which will start later this year. Pope Benedict’s visit will coincide with the
50th anniversary of the historic pilgrimage of Pope John XXIII on the train
to Assisi and Loreto on the eve of the opening of Vatican II. This time, however,
the Pope will not travel by train, but in a helicopter.