Apostolic Journey to Germany, 22-25 September 2011

Apostolic Journey to Germany, 22-25 September 2011

Pope Benedict XVI

Press Conference on the Flight to Berlin (22 September 2011)
On Thursday morning, the Holy Father flew from Ciampino Airport in Rome to Berlin on his third Apostolic Visit to his homeland. Soon after take-off he granted an interview to the journalists on the papal flight, whose pre-selected questions were put to the Pope by Fr Federico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

Welcoming ceremony at Bellevue Castle (Berlin, 22 September 2011)
After his arrival at the Berlin Tegel International Airport, Thursday morning, the Holy Father made a courtesy visit to the Bellevue Castle, where he was formally welcomed by the Federal President, Christian Wulff. Here are the Pope's words in reply.

Visit to the Federal Parliament in the Reichstag Building (Berlin, 22 September 2011)
Thursday afternoon, after an Official meeting with the Federal Chancellor at the headquarters of the German Episcopal Conference, and luncheon with the Papal Entourage at the Catholic Academy next door, the Holy Father addressed the Federal Parliament in the Reichstag Building.

Meeting with representatives of the Jewish community in a room of the Reichstag Building (Berlin, 22 September 2011)
On Thursday evening, following his Address to the Federal Parliament, the Holy Father met with representatives of the Jewish community in a room of the Reichstag Building.

Holy Mass at the Olympiastadion (Berlin, 22 September 2011)
Thursday evening, the Holy Father celebrated Mass at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. In his homily, the Pope spoke on Christ the true vine, and how we, his branches, abide in Him by abiding in His Church.

Meeting with representatives of the Muslim community in the reception room of the Apostolic Nunciature of Berlin (September 23, 2011)
On Friday morning, the Holy Father met with representatives of the Muslim community in the reception room of the Apostolic Nunciature of Berlin. In his address, the Pope called for collaboration between Christians and Muslims in protection of the family based on marriage.

Meeting with representatives of the German Evangelical Church Council in the Chapter Hall of the Augustinian Convent (Erfurt, 23 September 2011)
Friday morning, the Holy Father was taken to the Berlin Airport, and from thence flown to Erfurt. Around noon the Pope addressed representatives of the German Evangelical Church Council in the Chapter Hall of the Augustinian Convent, where Luther had studied.

Ecumenical Celebration in the church of the Augustinian Convent (Erfurt, 23 September 2011)
Shortly after noon, on Friday, the Holy Father joined representatives of the German Evangelical Church in an Ecumenical Celebration in the church of the Augustinian convent. In his homily the Pope spoke of man's thirst for the infinite, which remains even when the world withdraws from God.

Marian Vespers at the Wallfahrtskapelle (Etzelsbach, 23 September 2011)
On Friday, after luncheon with the papal entourage in Erfurt seminary, the Holy Father departed by helicopter from Erfurt Airport for Etzelsbach, where he celebrated Marian Vespers at the Wallfahrtskapelle, a Marian shrine at Etzelsbach.

Holy Mass at Domplatz (Erfurt, 24 September 2011)
On Saturday morning, the Holy Father celebrated Mass at Domplatz in Erfurt in honor of St Elizabeth of Thuringia (Hungary), patroness of the diocese. In his homily, the Pope expressed his pleasure at the social freedom enjoyed by the former German Democratic Republic, while suggesting that the deep roots of faith were more evident under the hardships of the former regime.

Greetings to the citizens gathered at Münsterplatz (Freiburg im Breisgau, 24 September 2011)
On Saturday afternoon, after visiting the Cathedral of Freiburg im Breisgau, the Holy Father addressed the citizens gathered at Münsterplatz.

Meeting with representatives of the Orthodox Churches in the Seminary Hörsaal (Freiburg im Breisgau, 24 September 2011)
Later Saturday afternoon, in company with the Federeal Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Robert Zollitsch, the Holy Father visited the Archepiscopal Seminary of Freiburg, where he addressed representatives of the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Meeting with seminarians at St Charles Borromeo Seminary Chapel (Freiburg im Breisgau, 24 September 2011)
After meeting with seminarians at St Charles Borromeo Seminary Chapel, Saturday afternoon, the Holy Father met with the Council of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZDK) in the Seminary Hörsaal, where he warned of a "subliminal relativism which penetrates every area of life."

Meeting with the Council of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZDK) in the Seminary Hörsaal (Freiburg im Breisgau, 24 September 2011)
After meeting with seminarians at St Charles Borromeo Seminary Chapel, Saturday afternoon, the Holy Father met with the Council of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZDK) in the Seminary Hörsaal, where he warned of a "subliminal relativism which penetrates every area of life."

Prayer vigil with the young people at the trade fair grounds of Freiburg im Breisgau (September 24, 2011)
On Saturday evening, the Holy Father met with the young people at the trade fair grounds of Freiburg im Breisgau for a Prayer Vigil. In his address, the Pope spoke of the gloom of suffering, which we inevitably face in this life, through which, however, shines the light of Christ, who has overcome the darkness of death.

Holy Mass celebrated in the touristic airport of Freiburg im Breisgau (September 25, 2011)
On Sunday morning, the Holy Father celebrated Mass on the grounds of the airport of Freiburg. In his homily, the Pope Benedict spoke on the Gospel account of Jesus teaching the parable of the two sons invited by their father to work in the vineyard and he noted that the message of the parable is clear: it is not words that matter, but deeds, deeds of conversion and faith.

Recitation of the Angelus Domini in the touristic airport of Freiburg im Breisgau (September 25, 2011)
After the celebration of the holy Mass, the Holy Father leads the Angelus with faithful gathered in the esplanade on the grounds of the airport in Freiburg.

Meeting with a group of Catholics active in the Church and society gathered in the Konzerthaus (Freiburg im Breisgau, 25 September 2011)
On Sunday afternoon, after taking leave of the Archbishop's Seminary, the Holy Father was driven to Konzerthaus in Frieburg where he met with with a group of Catholics who are active in the Church and in society.

Farewell ceremony at Lahr Airport (September 25, 2011)
On Sunday evening, the Holy Father recapitulated his Apostolic Journey in expressing his gratitude for the hospitality with which he was received. The Pope urged the Church in Germany to lead the people back to their Christian roots.