Pope's Apostolic Visit to France

The Holy Father arrived in France earlier today.

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 10, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI will pray
at the feet of Our Lady of Lourdes for the Church, the sick and for peace in the
world when he visits the Marian shrine this weekend.

The Pope said this
at the end of today's general audience in a message directed to the people of
France. The Pope will travel Friday-Monday to Paris and Lourdes. His visit to
the Marian shrine takes place in the context of the 150th anniversary of
apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous.

"I go as a messenger of peace and fraternity," he said in the message. "Your
country is not unknown to me. On several occasions I have had the joy to visit
it and to appreciate its generous tradition of hospitality and tolerance, as
well as the solidity of its Christian faith and its lofty human and spiritual
culture."

The Pontiff underlined that he is traveling to France to visit Lourdes as a
pilgrim: "After visiting Paris, your country's capital, I will have the great
joy to join the crowd of pilgrims who are going to follow the stages of the
jubilee journey, after St. Bernadette, to the Massabielle grotto.

"My prayer will intensify at the feet of Our Lady for the intentions of the
whole Church, in particular for the sick, the abandoned, as well as for peace in
the world."

"May Mary be for all of you," he added, "in particular for young people, the
Mother always attentive to the needs of her children, a light of hope that
illuminates and guides your ways."

"I invite you to join me in prayer," the Holy Father said, "so that this trip
will bring abundant fruits."

Below is a short video produced by CNA that gives a good introduction to Lourdes.