Papal trip to Lourdes set for September?

Paris, Mar. 7, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) will travel to visit France in September, according to the Paris daily Le Figaro.

The Vatican has not confirmed plans for the papal trip, but Church officials had disclosed that the Pope would travel to Lourdes sometime this year to join in celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions there.

According to Le Figaro, the Pope's trip will take place September 12- 14 and will include a visit to Paris. While in the capital the Pontiff is expected to meet with President Nicolas Sarkozy and address representatives of "the world of cuture," the newspaper said.