Pope Benedict receives Mgr Keith Newton in audience

This morning, the Holy Father received in audience Mgr Keith Newton, Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Bishops have such an audience in groups at their Ad Limina visit but aside from an occasion like that, it is much more difficult to gain a private audience with Pope Benedict that it was with Pope John Paul. It is all the more significant therefore, that Mgr Keith Newton was given this exceptional privilege. The Audience granted this morning is an unambiguous demonstration of the Holy Father's personal support for the Ordinariate, a great boost to all those who have joined it, and an encouragement to those who are pondering whether to do so.

Mgr Newton was accompanied by Cardinal Levada and Bishop Hopes. He presented the Holy Father with a number of gifts on behalf of the Ordinariate.

I would like to post photos of this event when they come online, so if you see any, please drop me a note in the combox.

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