Pope Arrives in Lourdes 'Citadel of Life and Hope'

(13 Sept 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Southern France on the second leg of this his first Papal journey to France.

Only moments ago the helicopter bearing the Holy Father from the nearby airport at Tarbes touched down in Lourdes, hometown to the world’s largest Marian Shrine where 150 years ago the Blessed Virgin appeared to little Bernadette.

Speaking ahead of his journey Pope Benedict had looked forward to his being at Lourdes for this anniversary celebration, describing the Sanctuary as a 'Citadel of Life and Hope'.
Philippa Hitchen is in Lourdes: