Beirut: Lebanon announced that Saturday will be observed as an official holiday on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Lebanon.

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayer at his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, in the outskirts of Rome, Sunday, July 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
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(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

“Saturday, September 15 is an official holiday and all public administrations, institutions and municipalities, as well as private and public schools and universities, will be closed for the pope’s official visit,” said a statement by Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

He said the decision was made to allow the various sections of the population to take part in welcoming the pope.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to Harissa in Kesrouan to greet the pope when he arrives for a three-day visit next Friday.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Sep-07/187086-sept-15-official-holiday-in-lebanon-for-popes-visit.ashx#ixzz25oEGWhlY
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)