QUEBEC - The Archdiocese of Quebec says Pope Benedict XVI will not attend celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.
Marc Cardinal Ouellet said in a statement today the Pope would send a papal official to represent him at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress. The June 15-22 congress is expected to attract thousands of Roman Catholics.
Ouellet has lobbied intensively to convince the pontiff to come to Quebec.
Last fall, he urged the Pope to announce his intentions so organizers could prepare.
Premier Jean Charest also invited the Pope to the city and two local residents circulated a petition asking him to come.
