Pope Confirms Plans to Attend Toronto World Youth Day

VATICAN, Nov 2, 01 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II has confirmed his intention to visit Toronto in July of next year for the celebration of World Youth Day.

Father Thomas Rosica, the coordinator of the 17th World Youth Day observance, confirmed that the Holy Father would be in Canada from July 25 through 28, as long as his health permits the visit. Father Rosica reported that when he met with a delegation from Canada on October 29, the Pope left no question of his desire to participate in the festivities.

Rumors had circulation in Rome during recent weeks that the Pope's frailty would preclude the trip, and that he would probably send a personal delegate to World Youth Day. The Pontiff emphatically rejected that possibility. "I'm coming!" he said.

Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
2. november 2001