Apostolic Visit: München, Altötting and Regensburg, Germany

Author: Pope Benedict XVI

Apostolic Visit: München, Altötting and Regensburg, Germany
9-14 September 2006

Pope Benedict XVI

Munich: Arrival Ceremony, 9 September
On Saturday afternoon, 9 September [2006], the Holy father arrived at the Munich International Airport on his first Visit to Bavaria. H.E. Mr Horst Köhler, President of the Federal republic, welcomed the Pope, with H.E. Mrs Angela Merkel, Federal chancellor, and other Church and State dignitaries.

Marienplatz: Greeting, 9 September
On Saturday, 9 September [2006], the Holy Father went to the Cathedral Square of Marienplatz. Here, at the Mariensäule (column of Our Lady), the Pope addressed the faithful in German.

Special Papal Prayer at the Mariensäule
On Saturday, 9 September [2006], the Holy Father prayed at the Mariensäule in Marienplatz. the following is a translation of the Pope's Prayer in German.

Munich: Holy Mass, 10 September
On Sunday morning, 10 September [2006], the Holy Father presided at Holy Mass at Munich's Neue Messe Esplanade.

Angelus: Sunday, 10 September
After celebrating Mass at the Neue Messe Esplanade, the Pope introduced the Angelus with a Reflection in German.

Greeting, at Archbishopric of Munich (September 10, 2006)
Speaking in Spanish, the Holy Father addresses a crowd of well-wishers who serenaded him, from the balcony of the Archiepiscopal residence in Munich.

Munich: Vesper Service, 10 September
On Sunday afternoon, 10 September [2006], the Holy Father visited the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich and presided at Vespers.

Altötting: Homily, 11 September
On Monday, 11 September [2006], the Holy Father traveled by helicopter to the Marian Shrine of Altötting. After praying briefly in Gnadenkapelle (Chapel of Graces) he celebrated Mass in the Shrine Square.

Altötting: Vespers Service, 11 September
On Monday afternoon, 11 September [2006], the Holy Father was taken to St Anne's Basilica in Altötting where he celebrated Marian Vespers with Religious and seminarians.

Regensburg: Homily, 12 September
On Tuesday morning, 12 September [2006], the Holy Father was driven to Islinger Feld Esplanade in Regensburg where he presided at Holy Mass.

Regensburg: University Address, 12 September
On Tuesday afternoon, 12 September [2006], the Holy Father travelled to the University of Regensburg, where he spoke to representatives of science from Bavaria. the following is a translation of the Pope's Address, which was given in German. This subsequent version of the Address includes footnotes supplied by the Holy Father.

Regensburg: Ecumenical Vespers, 12 September
On Tuesday evening, 12 September [2006], the Holy Father was taken to St Peter's Cathedral, Regensburg, for an ecumenical Vespers celebration.

Regensburg: Organ Blessing Address, 13 September
On Wednesday morning, 13 September [2006], the holy Father went to the old Chapel in Regensburg where he greeted the faithful prior to Blessing the new organ that is dedicated to him.

Freising: Address to Priests, Deacons, 14 September
On Thursday morning, 14 September [2006], the Holy Father travelled to Freising, where he met with priests and permanent deacons at the Cathedral of Sts Mary and Corbinian.

Munich: Farewell Ceremony, 14 September
On Thursday, 14 September [2006], the Holy Father was driven to Franz Joseph Strauss International Airport where he was seen off by the Minister-President of Bavaria, and Federal President Horst Köhler.