German visit scheduled
for Sept 22-25, 2011,
says Mons. Zollitsch
Translated from the German service of
30 NOV 2010 (RV) - A day in Berlin, a day in Erfurt, one-and-a-half days in Freiburg - so far, this is how the tentative plan is for Pope Benedict's visit to Germany on Sept. 22-25.
The chairman of the German bishop's conference, Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg, told the German broadcasting station ARD that the events have yet to be finalized, but there are obvious considerations.
For example, the political aspect of the trip is expected, of course, to be the emphasis in Berlin, as this is an official visit on the invitation of the German President Norbert Lemmer as well as the German bishops' conference.
But he said it is not yet clear if the Pope will make a special stop at the Brandenburg Gate as his predecessor did, or whether he will meet with some victims of sex abuse by priests in the German capital.
"We haven't gone far with details yet. For example, perhaps a visit to the Maria Regina Martyrum [Mary Queen of Martyrs] memorial for the victims of National Socialism, of Communism and the Second World War. We have to try to see what we can fit into these barely four-day visit," Zollitsch said.
Whether the Pope will address the German Bundestag (Parliament) is something that has to be discussed between Berlin adn the Vatican, he said.
The second stage of the visit would be to the Diocese of Erfurt, with its famous Wartburg Castle, a Martin Luther memorial place but also the longtime residence of St. Elizabeth of Thuringia.
"Erfurt is a key location - the Pope will be in the 'new' German states [formerly Communist East Germany). And we are considering whether he will visit Catholic Eichsfeld. The Martin Luther factor has not been very central so far. In any case, there is an importaht Luther anniversary in 2017
[the 500th anniversary of his 95 Theses]. But, of course, he will have meetings with the representatives of the evangelical Christian communities, the Jews and the Muslims. Even these will depend on the program in Berlin".
The last stage of the visit will be in Freiburg, Zollitsch's own archdiocese. He said he told the Pope that just one day in southwest Germany would not be enough for the strictly pastoral aspect of the visit.
"The visit would end in Freiburg on a weekend, so it means we can have a large Sunday Mass in the open. And we plan to use Freiburg Cathedral for Vespers, for his meeting with the clergy and/or with young people".
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 30/11/2010 22:01]