Pope Saint John Paul II flew from London by helicopter to Coventry Airport. On arrival the Pope was met by the newly installed Archbishop of Birmingham, Maurice Couve de Murville, and a crowd of over 350,000 people.
The Holy Father drove through the crowd to receive greetings. During the Mass the Sacrament of Confirmation was administered. The Pope said during the homily: “Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit is going to be poured out upon you in a particular way. You will hear the words of the Church spoken over you, calling upon the Holy Spirit to confirm your faith, to seal you in his love, to strengthen you for his service. You will then take your place among fellow-Christians throughout the world, full citizens now of the People of God. You will witness to the truth of the Gospel in the name of Jesus Christ. You will live your lives in such a way as to make holy all human life. Together with all the confirmed, you will become living stones in the cathedral of peace. Indeed you will be called by God to be instruments of his peace.”
"We are close to the city of Coventry, a city devastated by war but rebuilt in hope. The ruins of the old Cathedral and the building of the new are recognized throughout the world as a symbol of Christian reconciliation and peace."
