Programme for Pope Francis’ visit to Assisi is released

By Vatican News

Pope Francis will travel to the Italian town of Assisi on Friday, 12 November, on the occasion of the World Day of the Poor.

The meeting in Assisi, St. Francis’ hometown, will be a private one, during which Pope Francis will share moments of listening and prayer with about 500 people from all over Europe.

Please find the programme below:

Arrival of the Holy Father in Assisi at 9:00 a.m.

In addition to the authorities, who will greet him in the courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Holy Mary of the Angels), the Pope will be welcomed by the poor, who will form a symbolic "embrace" to welcome him.

Some of the poor will also symbolically hand over to Pope Francis the pilgrim's cloak and staff, indicating that all have come as pilgrims to the places of St Francis, to listen to his word.

In the Basilica

Testimony of six poor people (two French, one Polish, one Spanish, two Italians)          

Response of the Holy Father

10:30 a.m.

Moment of pause to offer refreshments to the poor

11:00 a.m.

Return to the Basilica

Moment of prayer with the Holy Father

Distribution of the Holy Father's gift to the poor

Concluding greetings

The Pope returns to the Vatican by helicopter while the poor will be hosted for lunch by the Bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino.