Today at 6pm, Pope Benedict arrived at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the first Celebration of the Holy Eucharist of this year’s visit to Germany. After arriving and the traditional drive-through, the Holy Father was welcomed by the Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit. The Stadium was filled to capacity, with some 70,000 people in ...read more

Today, Thursday, September 22, Pope Benedict began his first State Visit to Germany with a visit to the Bundestag, the lower house of Parliament. This is the third time that a Pope addresses a Federal Parliament: Pope John Paul II addressed the Parliaments in Warsaw and in Rome. The Holy Father reminds German politicians that ...read more

Pope Benedict arrived in his native journey this morning. Salt + Light’s coverage (on TV and streaming online) of the four-day papal visit begins today at 10:00am ET. Today’s schedule is below: Highlights of Pope Benedict’s arrival at the Berlin Tegel International Airport, including the Welcome Ceremony at Bellevue Castle 10:00am – 10:15am ET / ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Germany this morning. During the welcoming ceremony, attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Christian Wulff, the Holy Father said he had “not come primarily to pursue particular political or economic goals … but rather to meet people and to  speak about God.” Mr President of the Federal Republic, Ladies ...read more

The so-called staycation is becoming a popular option for many. It’s considerably more affordable to spend a week off in your own home, enjoying cultural activities you’ve never made time for or completing long-neglected household tasks. And doesn’t a morning spent reading the newspaper at the neighbourhood café sound more relaxing than preparing for travel? ...read more

The Holy Father addresses Croatian youth at the Prayer Vigil in Ban Josip Jelacic square. The Holy Father got an opportunity to hear two very moving personal testimonies from Croatian youths. The Holy Father also spoke about the challenges of youth: marked by a deep longing and questioning. The Holy Father says that Jesus Christ ...read more

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI says that religion is a natural element of society as it places man in right relation with God. He spoke on the importance of our conscience. The Holy Father said that our conscience is the place in which to listen to truth and goodness. It is also the place ...read more

Upon his arrival at the international airport in Zagreb, Croatia, the Holy Father makes this joyful address on the first National Day of Croatian Catholic Families. He speaks of Croatia’s strong bonds and faithfulness to the Holy See, and the importance of family values: Mr President, Dear Brother Bishops, Distinguished Authorities, Dear Brothers and Sisters, ...read more

This weekend, Pope Benedict XVI will make his first trip to Croatia as the successor of Peter. However, as Holy See Press Office director Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, points out, it’s not his first visit to the strongly Catholic country. The Vatican spokesman offered an editorial previewing the trip on the Vatican Television program Octava ...read more