Vatican confirms papal trip to Mexico, US

VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- 24-Apr-1998

The Vatican today confirmed that Pope John Paul II will travel to Mexico City in January 1999. He will also make a short visit in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Pope's visit to Mexico from January 22 to 25 will furnish the occasion for the formal promulgation of the apostolic exhortation concluding the special Synod of Bishops for the Americas, which was held at the Vatican late last year.

The Pope's visit to St. Louis will be his first stop in that city.

St. Louis Archbishop Justin Rigali Announces Papal Visit

TWA DOME (st-louis-cvc.com) -- 22-Apr-1998

St. Louis Archbishop Justin Rigali has announced that Pope John Paul II will visit St. Louis on January 26, 1999. Current plans call for the Pope to celebrate mass in the Trans World Dome at America's Center, St. Louis' largest indoor venue, during his visit. The Pope's visit to St. Louis will follow a trip to Mexico; St. Louis will be the pontiff's only stop in the United States.

In making the announcement, Archbishop Rigali noted that the Holy Father's visit coincides with the 300th anniversary of the first mass celebrated in the St. Louis region in 1699. The Archbishop said that the Pope's specific plans are still to be worked out, including his activities while in St. Louis and his length of stay in the community. "We will have the spotlight of the world on St. Louis," said St. Louis Mayor Clarence Harmon during the announcement. Archbishop Rigali noted that the papal visit was "a very great personal joy for me."

No details are final, but Rigali said: "The Pope always wants to see as many people as possible."

The Trans World Dome at America's Center would be able to seat more than 70,000 people for a papal mass. Specific seating and staging arrangements would be released at a later date after the pope's plans are confirmed. The Trans World Dome, which is operated by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, is part of the America's Center convention complex.