Audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Here the Holy Father presented Bishop Potocnak with a Rosary and other gifts as a sign of his unity with people or South Africa.

On Friday June 10, 2005 His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received, in a private audience, His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Potocnak, SCJ, Bishop of De Aar, South Africa. As a member of the United States Province, Bishop Potocnak has served as priest, pastor and Bishop in De Aar for many years.

After his visit with Holy Father, Bishop Potocnak commented on how gracious, warm, and welcoming he found our new Pope. They discussed the diocese or De Aar and the South African Church in general. "The Holy Father was very encouraging and grateful to all working for the Church in De Aar," said Bisohop Potochak.