The Vatican has released the program for Pope Francis’ visit to the military shrine of Redipuglia in north east Italy where, on the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, he will pray for those who have died in all wars.
On Saturday 13th September, the Pope is due to arrive at 9:15 a.m. at the Austro-Hungarian cemetery of Fogliano Redipuglia, where he will pray privately and bring flowers. At 10 a.m., he will celebrate Mass and give the homily at the municipality’s military memorial.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, a prayer will be recited for the victims of all wars.
The Pope will also present and deliver a lamp to the military ordinaries and bishops present, which will also be turned on in their respective dioceses during the course of celebrations to commemorate the First World War.
Fogliano Redipuglia lies at the eastern end of the shifting front of the Italian campaign against Austria-Hungary and Germany in World War I, and today is home to Italy’s largest war memorial on Monte Sei Busi in Redipuglia.
Redipuglia’s military memorial is in a monumental military cemetery built during the fascist era and dedicated to the memory of more than 100,000 Italian soldiers who died during the Great War.
The Pope first announced the visit in June, during a meeting with Italy’s Carabinieri national military police force who were celebrating their biennial.
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Saturday, September 13, 2014
07:30 Transfer by car from the Vatican to Rome’s Ciampino Airport
8:00 Take-off from Rome’s Ciampino Airport.
08:50 Landing at the airport of Ronchi dei Legionaries.
09:15 VISIT TO THE AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN CEMETERY of Fogliano, Redipuglia.
10:00 HOLY MASS AT MILITARY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF REDIPUGLIA. Homily of the Holy Father
12:00 Take-off from the airport of Ronchi dei Legionaries.
12:50 Land at Ciampino Airport.
Transfer by car to the Vatican.
