According to the Holy See Press Office, it will be an encounter of prayer and witness in the birthplace of St. Francis.
Newsroom (November 9, 2021, 10:45 AM, Gaudium Press) The Holy See Press Office announced the schedule for Pope Francis’ visit to the Italian city of Assisi on November 12, on the occasion of the World Day of the Poor.
Arrival in Assisi
The Pope will arrive in Assisi by helicopter at about 9 a.m., where he will be welcomed by local authorities. He will then receive an ideal ’embrace’ formed by the poor present in the atrium of the Basilica.
Pope Francis will also receive the Pilgrim’s cloak and staff, given symbolically to the Pope by the poor, indicating that they have all come as pilgrims to the places of St. Francis, to listen to his word.
Ceremony in the Basilica of Assisi
Already inside the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, six poor people (two French, one Polish, one Spanish, two Italians) will give their testimony before the Pontiff, who will then give his response.
There will be a break at 10:30, during which a snack will be offered to those present. The Moment of Prayer in the Basilica will resume at 11:00. Then the Holy Father will distribute gifts to everyone, give his final greeting and return to the Vatican, while the poor will be received for lunch by Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi. (EPC)
Compiled by Sarah Gangl
