«On March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Holy Father Pope Francis will visit Loreto.»
This was announced in a statement by Alessandro Gisotti, the Director ad interim of the Holy See Press Office.
«On this occasion,» statement added, «the Pope intends to offer the Virgin Mary the Post-Synodal Exhortation of the Synod of Bishops on the theme: «Youth, faith and vocational discernment», held in the Vatican from Oct. 3-28, 2018.»
Loreto is a hill town in the Marche region of Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. The Basilica of the Holy House of Mary makes Loreto a popular pilgrimage site.
During the visit, the Pope will celebrate Mass in the Holy House. At its conclusion, Francis will sign the Post-Synodal Letter to the Youth.
The Holy Father will also greet the Community of Capuchin Friars in the sacristy. In the Sanctuary, the Pope is expected to greet the sick present and go out to the churchyard of the Sanctuary to meet the faithful.
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Working translation of Vatican-provided program:
– 8.00 am
Helicopter take-off from the Vatican heliport.
– 9.00 am
Landing at the «Giovanni Paolo II» Youth Center in the Montorso area.
The Holy Father is welcomed by: – HE Mons. Fabio Dal Cin, Archbishop Prelate of Loreto; – Dr. Luca Ceriscioli, President of the Marche Region; – Dr. Antonio D’Acunto, Prefect of Ancona; – Dr. Paolo Niccoletti, Mayor of Loreto.
Transfer by car to the Sanctuary of Loreto.
– 9.30 am
At the Shrine, the Holy Father is welcomed: – Father Franco Carollo, Rector of the Pontifical Basilica of the Holy House of Loreto; – Fr Andrea Principini, Vicar General of the Pontifical Delegation for the Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto; – Father Vincenzo Mattia, Vicar General of the Prelature of the Holy House of Loreto; – Dr. Claudio Quattrini, General Secretary of the Pontifical Delegation for the Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto.
– 9.45 am
The Holy Father celebrates the Eucharist in the Holy House.
At the end of the Mass the Pope signs the Post-Synodal Letter to the Youth.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the Holy Father greets the Community of Capuchin Friars in the sacristy.
In the Sanctuary the Pope greets the sick present and goes out to the churchyard of the Sanctuary to meet the faithful.
Greetings from HE Msgr. Fabio Dal Cin, Archbishop Prelate of Loreto.
Address of the Holy Father
Angelus
– 12.30 pm
Lunch with the Bishops.
– 2.30 pm
The Holy Father leaves the Sanctuary.
2.45 pm At the heliport of Montorso, the Holy Father says goodbye to those who welcomed him on arrival.
– 3.45 pm
Landing in the Vatican heliport.
