Valentina di Giorgio
(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 19.10.2022).- The Papal Household Prefecture and the Holy See Press Office announced jointly that Pope Francis will visit one of his cousins, in northern Italy, on Saturday, November 19, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
The Pope will go to Asti on a private visit. The following day, Sunday, November 20, Solemnity of Christ the King, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass at 11:00 am in the Cathedral of Asti, and meet with the diocesan community. It was from Asti that the Pontiff’s family emigrated to Argentina. He will return to the Vatican on Sunday afternoon.
According to the local press, the visits of the then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio to the Asti area were usual when he was visiting Italy. In June of 2015 Pope Francis met with family members in the context of his visit to Turin. It is said that the Pope speaks fluidly the Piedmont language. At the end of May 2017 the Holy Father received a group of family members in a special audience in Genoa.
