Schedule Nearly Set For Papal Visit To Greece

VATICAN, Mar. 20, 01 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II will most likely visit Greece on May 4-5, en route to Syria. He will stop at Malta on his return trip May 8- 10.

Although the plans for the papal trip have not yet been confirmed or announced, the schedule appears to be in place. Bishop Leonardo Sandri, the Vatican's Substitute (or Assistant) Secretary of State, has traveled to Athens to make final plans. (Bishop Sandri has replaced Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the former Substitute Secretary of State, who is now the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.)

The Greek ambassador to the Holy See has confirmed that the program for the Pope's visit is a "delicate" matter, because of hostility toward Rome among Greek Orthodox believers. He indicated, however, that the formal schedule for the trip is likely to be set this week. One item is already in place: the Pope will meet with Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos at the presidential palace on May 4. The ambassador said that the Pope would probably meet with the Greek Orthodox Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens on the same day.

Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update
20. mars 2001