Pope Benedict confirmed today that he will make his first visit to Britain.
In an address at the Vatican to visiting bishops from England and Wales, Benedict said he was looking forward to witnessing firsthand the faith of Catholics in England and Wales during "my forthcoming Apostolic visit to Great Britain".
It was the first time the pope has publicly confirmed the visit. He did not give a time but the visit is widely expected to take place in September.
It will be the first by a pope to Britain since Pope John Paul II visited in 1982.
The Primate of all-Ireland Cardinal Seán Brady today welcomed the Pontiff's announcement.
"I wish to convey my best wishes to the bishops, priests and lay faithful of England and Wales on the wonderful news announced today concerning the forthcoming visit of Pope Benedict to our nearest neighbours," the Archbishop of Armagh said.
"I offer my blessings and good wishes to the Catholic community in their preparations for the Pope's visit and for the Beatification of the Venerable John Henry Newman," he added.