Programme of Pope Francis’ October visit to Cesena, Bologna

(Vatican Radio)  The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will visit the northern Italian cities of Cesena and Bologna on Sunday, 1 October 2017.

His pastoral visit coincides with the 300th anniversary of the birth of Pope Pius VI in 1717, who reigned as Pope from 15 February 1775 until his death on 29 August 1799.

Pope Francis will make the trip at the invitation of Archbishop Matteo Maria Zuppi of Bologna and Bishop Douglas Regattieri of Cesena-Sarsina.

A communique released by the Archdiocese of Bologna says the Pope’s pastoral visit occurs on “the occasion of the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress”, at which event the faithful are invited to renew their “efforts towards the diffusion, knowledge, and understanding of Sacred Scripture”.

Archbishop Zuppi goes on to thank Pope Francis for his “kind acceptance of the invitation”.

Please find below the full programme of Pope Francis’ visit:

07.00               Departure from Vatican Heliport

08.00               Arrival in helicopter at the Hippodrome of Cesena

                        Meeting with local people in Piazza del Popolo

                        Meeting with clergy, young people, and families in the Cathedral

10.00               Departure in helicopter from Hippodrome of Cesena

10.20               Arrival in Bologna

                        Visit to the regional Hub of Via Mattei

                        Meeting with young immigrants landed upon the Italian coast

12.00               Recitation of the Angelus in Piazza Grande, with the participation of representatives of the world of work

12.30               Lunch with poor people in the Basilica of San Petronio

14.30               Meeting with the clergy in the Cathedral

15.30               Meeting with university staff and students in the Basilica of San Domenico

17.00               Celebration of Holy Mass

18.45               Departure in helicopter from Bologna and return to the Vatican