(ZENIT News / Rome, 05.16.2024).- On June 10th, Pope Francis will make a significant visit to Rome’s Capitoline Hill, scheduled for 9 a.m. The news was initially revealed by Father Massimo Cocci, chaplain of the Rome Capitoline Local Police, during the blessing of the new traffic police in Piazza del Campidoglio. Later, the Holy See Press Office confirmed the information.
This visit marks the second occasion Pope Francis will appear on Rome’s iconic hill, following his previous visit on March 26, 2019. On that occasion, he was welcomed by the then-mayor Virginia Raggi. Now, the current mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, will welcome the Pontiff.
During his 2019 visit, Pope Francis highlighted the historical and spiritual role of Rome, calling on its citizens to overcome their fears and promote creativity and charity for the city’s development. «Rome, city of bridges, never of walls,» he proclaimed in an emotional speech in the Julius Caesar Hall of the Palazzo Senatorio.
This year’s visit takes place in the context of preparations for the Jubilee and reflects the close relationship between the municipal administration and the Vatican. Mayor Gualtieri, who met with the Pope in an audience on January 4th, expressed his enthusiasm and described the encounter as «deeply inspiring.» During the audience, Gualtieri informed the Pope about progress on numerous projects aimed at improving the reception and care of the most vulnerable people in the city.
On social media, the mayor emphasized the love and respect that Rome feels for its bishop, Pope Francis, who embodies the city’s vocation towards solidarity, fraternity, and peace. This visit not only reaffirms the connection between the Holy See and the Italian capital but also strengthens joint efforts to address the social and economic challenges affecting the most vulnerable citizens.
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