Photo Credit: Vatican
Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, is planning a one-day visit to the beautiful city of Verona in northern Italy in late May. The main focus of his visit will be on promoting peace and justice, and he is expected to meet with a variety of individuals, including clergy, laity, and inmates. The pope's schedule for the visit has been released by the Holy See Press Office, with the trip scheduled for May 18 on the vigil of Pentecost.
Located approximately 75 miles from Venice, Verona is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to a treasure trove of Roman antiquities and medieval architecture, as well as being famously known as the setting of Shakespeare's tragic play "Romeo and Juliet."
Pope Francis will travel to Verona by helicopter, leaving the Vatican at the early hour of 6:30 a.m. and arriving at his destination at around 8 a.m. Upon his arrival, he will be warmly greeted by Verona Bishop Domenico Pompili, Veneto President Luca Zaia, and Verona Mayor Damiano Tommasi.
The pope's first stop will be at the Basilica of San Zeno, named after the fourth-century Afro-Italian saint who is the patron of the city. Here, he will deliver a speech to priests and consecrated religious, before making his way to the adjacent square to address children and young people.
One of the main events of the day will take place at the Verona Arena, a first-century Roman amphitheater and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. There, the pontiff will preside over an encounter titled "Arena of Peace: Justice and Peace They Shall Kiss," which aims to bring together individuals and organizations to discuss and confront difficult social issues. This year's meeting will focus on several themes, including peace and disarmament, integral ecology, migration, work, democracy and rights, and lifestyles.
Later, Pope Francis will visit the Casa Circondariale di Montorio, a prison located on the outskirts of the city that houses both men and women, including isolated inmates and foreigners. There, he will deliver a speech addressed to prisoners, staff, and volunteers of the prison, followed by lunch with the inmates. The prison currently holds just under 600 inmates representing over 40 nationalities, making it one of the most overcrowded prisons in Italy.
The pope's visit will end with an open-air Mass celebrated at Verona's Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium at 3 p.m. He is scheduled to leave Verona at 4:45 p.m. and will arrive back at the Vatican by 6:15 p.m.
