Al-Rahi Heads to the Vatican April 11 to Meet with the Pope, Celebrate Mass

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi will travel to the Vatican on April 11 to meet with Pope Benedict XVI and celebrate mass there at St. Peter’s Basilica, the deputy chief of the Episcopal committee on the media announced Tuesday.

Father Elie Madi said during a press conference that the patriarch would visit the Vatican April 11-16 during which he would thank the pope for the letter he sent to al-Rahi the day he was elected.

During his stay at the Vatican, the new patriarch will celebrate mass at St. Peter’s Basilica during which he would express gratitude to the pope for his confidence, said Madi.

Several bishops will accompany al-Rahi to attend his meeting with the pope on April 14, he added.