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Pope Benedict XVI departs from UK
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September 20, 2010
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI_departs_from_UK



Pope Benedict XVI concluded a journey to the United Kingdom on Sunday.
During the four-day tour, the Pope presided over Mass in Westminster,
London, performed the Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman in
Birmingham, and spoke with UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Speaking
about the sex abuse cases which have brought criticism on the  Catholic
Church, Benedict XVI described his "deep sorrow" at the "unspeakable
crimes" that had caused "shame and humiliation" onto him and his church.

As the Pope departed from Birmingham International Airport on Sunday
night, he pledged better diplomatic relations between Vatican City and
the UK. Cameron said the Pope had "really challenged the whole country
to sit up and think, and that can only be a good thing." The Pope
thanked the UK for hosting him before departing without his Popemobiles,
which are to follow over land.

During his last speech in the United Kingdom, the Pope proclaimed: "As I
take my leave of you, let me assure you once again of my good wishes and
prayers for the peace and prosperity of Great Britain. Thank you very
much and God bless you all." He then preceded to take an aeroplane ride
back to Rome.

== Related news ==
* Pope Benedict XVI heads to the UK amid protests
* Pope Benedict XVI confirms visit to Scotland as part of his UK tour
* Pope Benedict XVI announces visit to United Kingdom
== Sources ==
* http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/the-pope/8012422/Pope-visit-Benedict-XVI-says-goodbye-to-Britain.html
* http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/the-pope-apologises-to-sex-abuse-victims-1.1056099

== External links ==
*[http://www.thepapalvisit.org.uk/ 'The Visit' website]



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