Pope welcomes pilgrims from Amsterdam soon to mark 750th anniversary

Pope Francis welcomes pilgrims visiting from Amsterdam as the Netherlands' capital is set to mark its 750th anniversary year starting at the end of October 2024.

Vatican News

Meeting with Dutch pilgrims visiting from Amsterdam on the morning of 4 May, Pope Francis observed how the city's founding and growth are tied to our faith and the Catholic Church. The city of Amsterdam will soon embark on its 750th anniversary year starting on 27 October 2024. The Pope recalled a key moment in the Amsterdam's history going back to the Eucharistic miracle of 1345 that is celebrated to this day with a silent procession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Pope met with around fifty participants in the pilgrimage representing the Catholic Foundation for the Promotion of Welfare Work in Amsterdam, the Russell family, and the Rector and Choir of Saint Nicholas Basilica.

Solidarity for all

Pope Francis praised the multi-faceted outreach they offer in serving Amsterdam's poor, migrants, and those struggling with drug addiction, by working together with the Sisters of Mother Teresa and the Sant'Egidio Community among others.

“Your city is also home to people of many different nationalities, called to live together as brothers and sisters. Its churches, in particular, are places where people from all social and cultural backgrounds can come together. I thank you most heartily for your commitment to making this happen!”

The Pope encouraged them to continue their efforts in their "magnificent city," that with God's blessing and "inspired and sustained by the Eucharist" they may continue to give joyful witness to faith and concrete love and care for neighbour that bears abundant fruit.