VATICAN CITY, JULY 3, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict's schedule for his September visit to the homeland of the Infant of Prague was released today.
The Pope's three-day apostolic journey to the Czech Republic, Sept. 26-28, will include a meeting with the president of that nation, the celebration of vespers with priests and seminarians, an address to ecumenical representatives and the academic community, as well as a meeting with youth.
His first stop will be at the Church of Our Lady Victorious, which houses the Infant Jesus of Prague.
The next day, the Holy Father will meet with ecumenical representatives. His address to the academic community will take place that evening at Prague Castle.
On Monday, Sept. 28, he will visit the church of St. Wenceslas and celebrate Mass for the feast of that saint, patron of the Czech Republic. He returns to Rome that afternoon.
The Czech Republic has a population of about 10 million, some 27% of which is Catholic. According to a 2001 census, almost 60% of the population is not affiliated with a religion.
