Pope’s Grand Tour of Italy Over the Next Few Months Lands in Lampedusa and Beyond

Associated Press
Vatican
Italy
lead
Papal travel
papal trips
Pope Leo XIV
Lampedusa
toxic waste dumping
catholic
news
independent
Author

Nicole Winfield

Published

February 19, 2026

Summary

Pope Leo XIV has announced his travel plans for May to June 2026, including visits to Lampedusa and several Italian cities. The Vatican released a detailed itinerary of upcoming day trips within the Italian peninsula, reflecting Pope Leo’s increased ability to leave Rome since the completion of the Jubilee in December 2025. His first major trip will be to Lampedusa, the island where he visited in May, to address migrants and their struggles with toxic waste dumping by local mafias. This visit underscores his commitment to aiding those affected by the mafia’s activities. Following this, Pope Leo will travel to Naples for a visit at Pompeii on May 8th, then return to Acerra on May 23rd. He will also pay homage to St. Augustine in Pavia on June 20th and participate in an Italian political and religious conference in Rimini on August 6th. Additionally, Leo plans a July 4 visit to Lampedusa, where he previously made a significant address during his predecessor’s papacy. These trips aim to strengthen ties within the Italian Church and connect with its faithful, reflecting Pope Leo’s desire for personal visits after completing his initial Rome-centric duties.

Key Topics

Pope Leo XIV, Lampedusa, toxic waste dumping


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