Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV will visit five Roman parishes between Nov 27 and Dec 20, meeting local communities and celebrating Mass as part of a series of pastoral visits for Advent.
The Vicariate of Rome announced the program on Wednesday, October 28. As during Lent, the Pope will visit a community in each of the diocese’s five pastoral sectors.
Each afternoon visit will follow a similar pattern. Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, and the parish priest will welcome Pope Leo, who will meet parish councils and other parish groups before celebrating the Eucharist.
“Through these parishes, our entire diocese is celebrating,” Cardinal Reina said.
He explained that the visits would also provide an opportunity to conduct the pastoral review within communities that the Pope had called for at the assembly marking the start of the year.
First visit on Feast of the Miraculous Medal
The first visit, on Friday, Nov 27, will take Pope Leo to Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, in the central sector, on the Feast of the Miraculous Medal, which draws thousands of faithful each year.
“Welcoming the Holy Father is a source of immense joy for us,” said Fr Taras Yeher, the assistant parish priest. “Welcoming him on the feast day is an even greater gift from the Lord and the Virgin Mary.”
Two days later, on Sunday, Nov 29, Pope Leo will visit San Carlo da Sezze, in the southern sector.
Its parish priest, Fr Simone Giovannella, highlighted the community’s long history of accompanying young people and the poor. Next year, it will mark the 40th anniversary of its dedication. He said the parish would welcome the Pope with enthusiasm and immense gratitude.
A gift for parish communities
On Dec 6, the Pope will visit the Parish of Sant’Eligio, in the eastern sector. Parish priest Fr Dario Frattini described the unexpected news as a gift at a time when the community needs to be strengthened in faith.
The Parish of Santa Lucia, in the western sector, will welcome him on Dec 13, its patronal feast. Fr Simone Carosi, who became parish priest a few months ago, described the visit as a beautiful welcome gift.
The series will conclude on Dec 20 at the Parish of San Roberto Bellarmino, in the northern sector. The community recently welcomed its new parish priest, Fr Andrea Lonardo.
Assistant parish priest Fr Antonio Panico said the Pope’s visit would be “an occasion of joy and a moment of ecclesial communion” and a source of grace and celebration for the whole community. – Vatican News
