Apostolic Visit: Valencia, Spain, 8-9 July 2006

Apostolic Visit: Valencia, Spain, 8-9 July 2006

Pope Benedict XVI

Proclaiming the Family
On Saturday, 8 July 2006, the Holy Father landed at the International Airport of Valencia-Manises for the Fifth World Meeting of Families. At the airport, the Holy Father was welcomed by King Juan Carlos de Borbón of Spain, Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, the Archbishop and three Auxiliaries of Valencia and the nine Spanish Cardinals.. In response, the Pope spoke of the family as a "unique institution in God's plan."

Letter to Spanish Bishops: Cathedral of Valencia
On Saturday, 8 July 2006, the Holy Father was taken to the Cathedral of Valencia, where he was received by the 32 canons, the 20 members of the Confraternity of the Holy Chalice Chapter and a large group of priests and Religious, including cloistered nuns. Here, the Pope signed his Letter addressed to all Spanish Bishops, which he presented to Bishop Blázquez Pérez Ricardo of Bilbao, President of the Spanish Bishops' Conference.

Family Meeting, City of Arts and Sciences
On Saturday evening, 8 July, the Holy Father went to the City or Arts and Sciences, a modern complex of public buildings in central Valencia, for the prayer meeting and festive conclusion of the Fifth World Meeting of Families.

Holy Mass: Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences
On Sunday morning, 9 July 2006, the Holy Father returned to the City of Arts and Sciences. Here, the Pope celebrated a special Mass of Families, with readings selected for their connection with the theme of the World Meeting: "The transmission of faith in the family."

Angelus Reflection: City of Arts and Sciences
On Sunday morning, 9 July, at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, before the final Blessing of Holy Mass at which he had presided, the Holy Father spoke to the faithful prior to leading the recitation of the Angelus. He encouraged them to open their hearts and homes to Christ, through the intercession of Mary.

Farewell Ceremony: Valencia-Manises Airport
On Sunday afternoon, 9 July 2006, the Holy Father was driven to Valencia-Manises International Airport for his return to Rome. IN his farewell address, the Pope expressed his thanks to civil and religious authorities, and his hope that the Fifth World Meeting of Families would "help today's world to understand that the marriage covenant ... is a great good for all humanity."