Papal Visit Programme, 16 September 2010

I have spoken before of my deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country, and of the many happy memories Prince Philip and I always held of our time here.

This State Visit is an expression of the deep respect and friendship that describes relations between Spain and the United Kingdom

I am sure of a shared, bright future for both of our countries as long-standing allies working together towards global peace and prosperity

Canadians have, by their own endeavours, built a country and society which is widely-admired across the world.

No-one who looked to the future over the past centuries could have imagined the strength of the bonds that are now in place between the governments and the people of our two...

I have been warned I may have Happy Birthday sung to me more than once or twice.

St. Paul reminds us that all Christians, as ambassadors for Christ, are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.

It is through this lens of history that we should view the conflicts of today, and so give us hope for tomorrow.

At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story.

Being united - that is, feeling a unity of purpose - is the glue that bonds together the members of a family, a country, a Commonwealth.

All great religions have such times of renewal, moments to take stock before moving on to face the challenges which lie ahead.

My hope this Christmas is that the Christian spirit of reconciliation may burn as strongly in our hearts during the coming year.

In the United Kingdom we have our own particular sorrows in Northern Ireland and I want to send a special message of sympathy to all those men, women and children who have...

My message today is one of encouragement and hope.

Then Christmas comes, and once again we are reminded that people matter, and it is our relationship with one another that is most important.

We celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights.

Since 1945 the United Kingdom has determined to number among Germany's very strongest friends in Europe.

When the dynamism and creativity of our two countries are combined, whether that be in business, science, education, sport or culture, the results are extraordinary.

For every poppy a life; and a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind.

Mr. President, your visit is an opportunity to celebrate the links between our two countries, developed over almost two centuries.

I recall my own happiness, discovering this beautiful country for myself and for the first time, and developing my own great affection for the French people.

We will remember our past, but we shall no longer allow our past to ensnare our future. This is the greatest gift we can give to succeeding generations.