Chile Looks Forward to Pope Francis’ Visit

Pope Francis’ first international trip of the New Year will take place in less than two weeks. From January 15-18 the Holy Father will visit Chile, first stage of his itinerary, before going on to Peru, until the 22nd.
To reduce the costs of the trip, Pope Francis requested that useless expenses be avoided, using recycled materials and goods, said the Executive Director of Pope Francis’ visit, Javier Peralta, to the Chilean newspaper T13.
Therefore, the Pope’s request has been followed up, predisposing installations, such as altars, which can be used in other circumstances. According to T13, the altars alone will occupy a surface of 4,500 square meters; 600,000 hosts will be prepared for the faithful’s Communion.
The costs of the visit will be shared between the Catholic Church and the Chilean State, which will be in charge of the financial burdens for the Holy Father’s safety and the Pontiff’s meetings with the Authorities.
T13 reported that the total expenses foreseen will amount to four million pesos, 42% for the events in Santiago, 28% for the Mass at Iquique, 22% for the visit to Temuco, 5% for stipends and 3% for structural costs. Eventual surpluses will be donated to non-profit organizations that aid immigrants. Caritas-Chile and the Vatican selected the beneficiaries.
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Apostolic Trip of the Holy Father