The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will visit Sri Lanka and the Philippines in the middle of January.
In an unannounced briefing in the Vatican Press Office this afternoon, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, announced the Pope will be making the Apostolic visit from Jan. 12–19, 2015.
“Accepting the invitation from the civil authorities and the Episcopate,” Fr. Lombardi said, the Holy Father will first visit Sri Lanka, Jan. 12-15, and then the Philippines, Jan. 15-19.
Though its details and logistics are still being determined, the Vatican spokesman said, “the program will be published shortly.”
Turning to the Pope’s August apostolic trip, Fr. Lombardi announced that a briefing will be held Thursday Aug. 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office to inform journalists of the program for the Pope’s visit to South Korea, Aug. 13-18, which will mark his third international pilgrimage.
The Pontiff is visiting South Korea for the occasion of the 6th World Youth Day in Asia as well as for the beatification of 124 Korean martyrs.
