Pope Francis visited the northern Italian cities of Cesena and Bologna on Oct.1, 2017, welcoming the invitation of the respective diocesan bishops, Bishop of Cesena-Sarsina, Msgr.Douglas Regattieri, and Archbishop of Bologna, Matteo Maria Zuppi.
The visit to Cesena coincides with the 300-year anniversary of the birth there of Pope Pius VI, and the visit to Bologna took place during the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress.
The first leg of the Pontiff’s pastoral visit was in Cesena.
He kicked off his day meeting people in Piazza del Popolo and then meeting with the clergy, young people and families, in the cathedral.
Following that encounter, the Pontiff shifted to Bologna, where he visited the ‘regional hub’ on Via Mattei, met with young migrants, and recited the Angelus in Piazza Grande, with the participation of the ‘world of work.’
After the midday prayer, the Pope lunched with the poor in the Basilica of San Petronio, met with the clergy in the cathedral, and met with University of Bologna students and faculty.
Francis concluded his day, celebrating Mass, and then returned to the Vatican.
