Vatican Secretary of State begins visit to Chile.

(April 14, 2010) Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone on Tuesday began a visit to Chile, at the invitation of the Chilean Episcopal Conference, and as the official guest of the government on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Chilean Republic. The visit that concludes on April 14, also gives Cardinal Bertone the opportunity to express his solidarity to the local Church and people, after the violent earthquake that hit Chile on February 27, claiming hundreds of lives and causing extensive damage.
Cardinal Bertone has a very busy schedule. During his April 6-14 visit, he will celebrate Masses, meet youth and participate in several pastoral activities. The highlight of his visit will be on Sunday, April 11, when he will celebrate Mass in Santiago’s Cathedral, during which, he will entrust to the people of Chile, the image of the Virgin of Carmel Mission, blessed a week ago in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI, and gifted to Chile for it’s bicentennial centenary. The blessed image will be taken in pilgrimage across the country, particularly to places worst hit by the recent earthquake.