Summary
Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in 2026, has been scheduled for a pastoral tour of Italy that includes visits to various regions and islands. The first stop will be Pompeii on May 8th, marking the one-year anniversary of his election. During this visit, Pope Leo will attend Mass at the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii and pray the prayer founded by St. Bartolo Longo. The tour continues with a meeting in Naples, where he will meet with clergy and religious in the Cathedral as well as citizens gathered in Plebiscito Square. In August 2026, Pope Leo plans to visit Acerra, a town suffering from environmental pollution, before traveling to Pavia on June 20th for his next pastoral visit. This trip is inspired by St. Augustine’s connection with the city. The tour concludes in Lampedusa on July 4th, where Pope Leo will revisit an island significant to his predecessor, Francis. On this day, he plans to offer comfort and encouragement to migrants at hotspots and those who assist them. The tour also includes a visit to Assisi, where Pope Leo intends to pay homage.
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, Pompeii, Lampedusa
