Pope will visit Vienna
Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Austrian capital this autumn, Cardinal Schoenborn has confirmed. The pontiff is due to arrive in Vienna on September 7th for a two day trip.
Although details are awaiting confirmation at present, the Pope is scheduled to lead prayers in the centre of Vienna at about 1pm. In the afternoon the pontiff is expected to take part in several meetings with local dignitaries.
The following day, Saturday 8th, the Pope will travel to Mariazell in Styria, home of the most important pilgrimage site in Austria. The Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary is celebrating its 850th anniversary this year.
Later that afternoon Pope Benedict will celebrate mass in Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral. The Austrian trip will mark the Pope's first European engagement this year.