Pope To Visit Lebanon In September

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican is confirming that Pope Benedict XVI will travel to Lebanon in September to encourage his flock in the Middle East.

It said Sunday the Sept. 14-16 pilgrimage will see the pontiff celebrate Mass in Beirut. He will also attend a youth gathering and meetings with Lebanese authorities.

There have been concerns about the health of the pontiff, who turns 85 on April 16. The confirmation of the Lebanon trip, which the Vatican had said Benedict was considering, indicated he is forging on with his mission to his worldwide church.

Some Christian communities in the Middle East have suffered for their faith, including terror attacks in Iraq.