VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI to visit the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See, December 13

Rome (Agenzia Fides) – The Embassy of Italy to the Holy See has released a statement saying that this December 13, his holiness Benedict XVI will make a visit to the Embassy itself. It will be the fourth time that a Pope visits Borromeo Palace: Pius XII visited in 1951, Paul VI in 1964, and John Paul II in 1986. The Holy Father will be welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Franco Frattini and by the Undersecretary of the President of the Council, Mr. Gianni Letta, accompanied by the Ambassador of Italy to the Holy See, Antonio Zanardi Landi.
The Holy Father's visit will take place just two months after his meeting with the President of the Republic, at the “Quirinale” and two months prior to the talks that are annually held on the occasion of the reception of the Lateran Pacts and the Accord of the Modification of the Concordat, which in 2009 will celebrate their 80th and 25th anniversaries, respectively. The event, which recalls the unique relationship maintained between Italy and the Holy See, coincides with an elaborate restoration of the Palace's Chapel, which is dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, where the Pope will hold a personal meeting with members of the Embassy and their family members. The Holy Father will later greet the members of government present and those invited to the Palace for the celebration. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2008)