The Mayor of Bern, Alexander Tschappat recalled that His Holiness's planned visit to Bern in 2008 had had to be called off. Since then, he said, this amazing House of Religions has come about, which he was particularly happy for His Holiness to see. After lunch, His Holiness paid a visit to multiple religious places including a Hindu temple where the lively music and other ceremonies reminded him of South India.