Book commemorating Pope Benedict XVI's visit published

The official book documenting the Papal visit to the UK is now on sale, less than a month after the visit of the Holy Father.

The book, was written by Peter Jennings, press secretary to the Archbishop of Birmingham the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, and documents the whole of the UK visit, as well as including reflections from various dignitaries and religious leaders.

Benedict XVI and Blessed John Henry Newman, The State Visit — The Official Record, was launched at a special Mass in Westminster Cathedral by Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster.

Almost all the 10,000 copies of the large format 208-page book, which includes colour photographs taken throughout the visit, have been snapped up, with 5,000 pre-ordered.

There will now be a second print run of the book.

Mr Jennings, who worked as press secretary for Archbishop Nichols during his nine years as Archbishop of Birmingham, 2000-2009, also wrote the official record of the 1982 visit of Pope John Paul II to the UK.

The book was published by the Catholic Truth Society.

Copies of the book, priced at £14.95, can be ordered at www.cts-online.org.uk