Pope Benedict Phones Outer Space

For the first time in history, the Pope will speak with men in outer space.  The connection between Pope Benedict XVI and the International Space Station will take place on Saturday, May 21.

ROME, ITALY (JohnPaul Moments) - For the first time in history, the Pope will speak with men in outer space.  The connection between Pope Benedict XVI and the International Space Station will take place on Saturday, May 21.

That announcement was confirmed earlier this week by Father Federico Lombardi, the Holy See's press spokesman.  The Pope will be linked to the space station via a live audio-video connection to communicate with the crew on board. 

The call coincides with the final mission of the space Shuttle Endeavour and was delayed from May 4 due to postponement of Endeavour's original launch date amid technical concerns.

Two Italian astronauts are among the twelve present in the space station.  Roberto Vittori, who arrived on Endeavour's final trip, and Paolo Nespoli, who was already on board the space station.

The Shuttle Endeavour will be retired to a museum following its return to earth.

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Brother Randall Meissen, LC, is author of the book Living Miracles: The Spiritual Sons of John Paul the Great. He podcasts on John Paul 2 at JohnPaulMoments.com.

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