Scottish Government

Pope Benedict XVI is visiting the UK from September 16-19 as both a Head of State and the leader of a major denomination, at the invitation of the Queen. This is the first official Papal visit to the UK, taking in events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Birmingham.

Pope John Paul II made a purely pastoral visit in 1982, but this visit will combine pastoral events - where the Pope will engage with the Catholic faithful of the UK - and a range of official events.

For further details of Pope Benedict's programme, including information on opportunities to see the Holy Father, updates on his itinerary and information about traffic, travel and other issues of public and media interest, see the below links.

• Official Papal Visit website
• Updated events timeline
• Cabinet Office UK visit programme details (including FAQs)
• Transport Scotland papal visit information

Edinburgh:

• Speeches by the Pope and the Queen at Holyrood Palace
• City of Edinburgh Council Papal visit local information
• St Ninian's Day Parade, Edinburgh
• Lothian and Borders Police

Glasgow:

• Glasgow City Council Papal visit local information