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Pope Arrives in France for First Visit
World | September 12, 2008, Friday // 00:00
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Pope Benedict XVI began on Friday his first visit to France since he took office. Photo by BBC
Pope Benedict XVI began on Friday his first visit to France aimed at persuading the French that religion can contribute to modern secular societies.
The Pope was met at Paris's Orly airport by President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni.
During his four days in the country, the Pope will celebrate an open-air Mass in Paris and travel to the shrine of Lourdes.
The Pope's schedule begins with a service at Notre Dame Cathedral on Friday. He will also hold meetings with representatives of France's Jewish community and deliver a speech to cultural figures and Muslim leaders.
The Pope's visit coincides with the second anniversary of his speech about Islam that offended many Muslims.
In the 2006 Regensburg lecture to theologians in Germany, he quoted a text from a 14th Century Byzantine emperor that linked Islam to violence.
The Pope apologised for any offence he caused and the rector of the Paris Mosque, Dalil Boubakeur, has said he considers the matter closed.
The Pope was met at Paris's Orly airport by President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni.
During his four days in the country, the Pope will celebrate an open-air Mass in Paris and travel to the shrine of Lourdes.
The Pope's schedule begins with a service at Notre Dame Cathedral on Friday. He will also hold meetings with representatives of France's Jewish community and deliver a speech to cultural figures and Muslim leaders.
The Pope's visit coincides with the second anniversary of his speech about Islam that offended many Muslims.
In the 2006 Regensburg lecture to theologians in Germany, he quoted a text from a 14th Century Byzantine emperor that linked Islam to violence.
The Pope apologised for any offence he caused and the rector of the Paris Mosque, Dalil Boubakeur, has said he considers the matter closed.
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