THE VERBITES "AD GENTES" CENTRE WELCOMES THE POPE

Vatican City,  (VIS) - Benedict XVI this morning made a private visit to the "Ad Gentes Centre" of the Missionaries of the Divine Word, located in the village of Nemi. It was in that building, then called the International Centre of the Society of the Divine Word, that the Vatican Council II Commission on Missions met from 29 March to 3 April 1965. Among the participants was a young theologian and expert of the conciliar assembly, Joseph Ratzinger.

The Holy Father left Castelgandolfo by car at 11.30 a.m. and was welcomed on his arrival at Nemi by Fr. Heinz Kuluke, superior general elect; Fr. Antonio Pernia superior general, and Fr. Giancarlo Girardi, procurator general. The Holy Father then moved on to the chapel to meet with the 150 participants in the general chapter of the order and the community of the Mother House in Rome. After adoring the Blessed Sacrament, and listening to a welcome address from Fr. Pernia, the Pope made some brief remarks.

Having completed his visit, Benedict XVI returned to the Apostolic Palace.