Church leaders pray that Pope will pay city a visit

Mar 16 2006

By Deborah James Daily Post Staff

A PAPAL visit to Liverpool emerged as a distinct possibility last night, as speculation grew that he would visit Britain. Church leaders said the city, which has 400,000 Catholics, would be a strong contender for Pope Benedict's itinerary if he visits England and Wales. National reports suggested the Vatican was about to accept an invite for the German-born Pontiff, 78, to come to Britain next year. It would be 25 years since his predecessor, Pope John Paul II toured the country - including a famous trip to Liverpool, in May 1982. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT It would also be only the second Papal visit since Henry VIII broke from Rome in 1534 to establish the monarch as head of the Church of England. The Bishops Conference for England and Wales last night played down speculation, and said the Vatican had not yet replied to the invite. But Catholics across Liverpool were last night praying for a positive result. Peter Heneghan, press officer for the Catholic Archdioscese in Liverpool, said it would be a "wonderful celebration" if the Pope were to come to the city. He said: "Many people have wonderful memories of the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1982. "It would be a wonderful celebration to welcome his successor here, we are sure the city would give him a fabulous reception."

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