The Vatican on June 6, 2018, released the schedule for the Holy Father’s visit to Bari on July 7, 2018.
When the trip was announced in late April, a Vatican spokesman stressed that it will be a day of prayer and reflection for the situation in the Middle East and that local Church Leaders are to be invited.
The Holy Father’s Schedule
| 7.00 | Departure by helicopter from the Vatican heliport. |
| 8.15 |
Arrival in Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo in Bari. The Holy Father is received by: – H.E. Msgr. Francesco Cacucci, archbishop of Bari-Bitonto; – Hon. Michele Emiliano, president of the Puglia Region; – Marilisa Magno, prefect of Bari; – Hon. Antonio Decaro, mayor of Bari. Transfer by car to the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas; in the meantime, the Patriarchs transfer to the Basilica from their residences. |
| 8.30 |
In front of the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Holy Father receives the Patriarchs and greets them individually; in the Basilica, the Patriarchs wait in front of the presbytery. The last to enter the Basilica, the Holy Father greets the members of the Dominican Community. |
| 8.45 |
The Holy Father and the Patriarchs descend into the crypt of the Basilica for the veneration of the relics of Saint Nicholas – lighting of the single-flamed lamp. |
| 9.15 |
The Holy Father and the Patriarchs leave the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and travel by coach to the “Rotonda” on the Bari seafront promenade. |
| 9.30 |
Bari seafront promenade: Prayer meeting. |
| 10.30 |
At the end of the joint prayer meeting, the Holy Father and the Patriarchs return to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas by coach. |
| 11.00 |
Basilica of Saint Nicholas: Dialogue (behind closed doors). |
| 13.30 | Transfer by coach to the Archbishopric for lunch. |
| 15.30 | In the Archbishopric, the Holy Father takes leave of the Patriarchs. |
| 16.00 | Before entering the helicopter, the Holy Father takes leave of the Authorities who received him in the morning. |
| 17.15 | Arrival at the Vatican heliport. |
