VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 23, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II will pray the rosary for world peace during his Oct. 7 visit to a Marian shrine near Naples, Italy.
According to the program of the pastoral trip, issued today by the Vatican press office, the Pope will travel by helicopter from the Vatican to Pompeii.
He will depart Vatican City at 9 a.m. for a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii. The one-hour flight will bring the Holy Father to a heliport set up near the archaeological ruins of the ancient city, from where he will travel by car to Bartolo Longo Square in Pompeii.
Following his arrival at 10:30 at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, the Pope will recite the rosary for peace with the faithful gathered outside the church, and will deliver a homily.
He will then recite the supplication to Our Lady as is traditionally done every year on May 8 and in October, when thousands of faithful gather at the Shrine for the Feast of the Supplication to petition favors and to offer thanksgiving for favors received.
After greeting the civil and religious authorities present at the shrine, the Pope will return to the heliport. He is scheduled to leave at 12:30 p.m. for Vatican City, arriving one hour later.
His visit to Pompeii is one of the highlights of the Year of the Rosary, which ends Oct. 19.
