Pope Benedict begins Alpine vacation

Pope Benedict XVI left Rome on Monday, July 13, to begin a 2-week vacation in the Italian Alps. The Pontiff flew from Rome to Turin, continuing by helicopter to Les Combes, where he will stay in the same chalet that he chose for his vacation in 2005 and 2006. The chalet is located in the mountains about 12 miles from Aosta, with views of Mont Blanc. Local police have deployed a team of 200 men to guard the Pope's privacy and security. Pope Benedict told reporters that he planned to "rest and also work-- but above all rest."