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   MESSAGE FROM THE POPE FOR HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM   
      
   VATICAN CITY, 8 SEP 2010 (VIS) - During today's general audience, Benedict XVI   
   read an English-language message for his forthcoming visit to the United   
   Kingdom, due to take place from 16 to 19 September.   
      
   "I am very much looking forward to my visit to the United Kingdom in a week's   
   time and I send heartfelt greetings to all the people of Great Britain. I am   
   aware that a vast amount of work has gone into the preparations for the visit,   
   not only by the Catholic community but by the Government, the local authorities   
   in Scotland, London and Birmingham, the communications media and the security   
   services, and I want to say how much I appreciate the efforts that have been   
   made to ensure that the various events planned will be truly joyful   
   celebrations. Above all I thank the countless people who have been praying for   
   the success of the visit and for a great outpouring of God's grace upon the   
   Church and the people of your nation.   
      
   "It will be a particular joy for me to beatify the Venerable John Henry Newman   
   in Birmingham on Sunday 19 September. This truly great Englishman lived an   
   exemplary priestly life and through his extensive writings made a lasting   
   contribution to Church and society both in his native land and in many other   
   parts of the world. It is my hope and prayer that more and more people will   
   benefit from his gentle wisdom and be inspired by his example of integrity and   
   holiness of life.   
      
   "I look forward to meeting representatives of the many different religious and   
   cultural traditions that make up the British population, as well as civil and   
   political leaders. I am most grateful to Her Majesty the Queen and to His Grace   
   the Archbishop of Canterbury for receiving me, and I look forward to meeting   
   them. While I regret that there are many places and people I shall not have the   
   opportunity to visit, I want you to know that you are all remembered in my   
   prayers. God bless the people of the United Kingdom!"   
   AG/VIS 20100908 (360)   
      
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