Archbishop Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said:
“We are encouraged and pleased at the news which has emerged about the possible official visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK next year.
“We are glad the Holy Father is giving such consideration to the invitations he has received from Her Majesty’s Government, which accord closely to the wishes and requests also expressed by the Bishops of England and Wales.
“The prospect of a visit by Pope Benedict fills us with joy.”
