Pope Arrives in UK

Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
17 Sep 2010

Pope Benedict XV1 arrived in Edinburgh on a sunny but blustery morning. He was greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh, an unprecedented gesture by the Crown. Also there to meet him were the primates of Scotland, England and Wales, Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien and Archbishop Vincent Nichols as well as the government's co-ordinator of the visit, Lord Patten of Barnes.

Thousands of well wishers lined the route of the Pope's motorcade as he was driven to Holyroodhouse Palace, the official Scottish Royal residence where Queens Elizabeth greeted him in the courtyard.

Also present to meet the Holy Father were the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the deputy Prime Minister of the UK, Nick Clegg, the first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, and the head of the Church of Scotland.

As the Scots Guards played the national anthem of Great Britain, the Holy Father removed his zucchetto as a mark of respect. He then walked into the Palace with the Queen where the two leaders and Prince Phillip had a private audience lasting about 20 minutes.