wfn.org | [ACNS] Archbishop to attend Papal Inauguration, greetings and

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 3970     |     LAMBETH	|     21 APRIL 2005

Archbishop to attend Papal Inauguration, greetings and prayers for new
Pope

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, is to attend
the solemn inauguration of the new pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI on
Sunday 24 April in St Peter's Square in Rome. Archbishop Rowan will
become the first serving Archbishop of Canterbury to attend such an
occasion, at least since the Reformation. The Pontifical Council for
Promoting Christian Unity has indicated its 'great delight' that he will
be attending.

The Archbishop has confirmed that he will, again, be wearing the ring
presented to his predecessor, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, by Pope Paul VI
and a pectoral cross presented to him by Pope John Paul II.

Archbishop Rowan will travel to Rome on Saturday; he will be accompanied
by the Revd Andrew Norman, Archbishop's Secretary for International and
Ecumenical Affairs, and by the Revd Jonathan Jennings, Archbishop's
Press Secretary.

Greetings and prayers for new Pope

Earlier this week, the Archbishop of Canterbury offered his best wishes
and prayers for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on his election as successor
to Pope John Paul II. He said: "We wish Pope Benedict XVI every blessing
in the immense responsibilities he is about to assume on behalf of Roman
Catholics round the world.

"His election is also of great significance to Christians everywhere. I
look forward to meeting him and working together to build on the legacy
of his predecessor, as we seek to promote shared understanding between
our churches in the service of the Gospel and the goal of Christian
unity.

"He is a theologian of great stature, who has written some profound
reflections on the nature of God and the church. His choice of the name
Benedict suggests that he wants to connect his vision of the Church to
the monastic spirit of service and contemplation.

"He will be much in our prayers in the days and weeks ahead."

Lambeth Palace press office:
Tel: 0207 898 1280/1200
Fax: 0207 261 1765
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org

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