Pope Francis to Visit Florence in 2022

As part of the upcoming “The Mediterranean, a Frontier of Peace” forum, Pope Francis will be visiting Florence. This has been confirmed by president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy (CEI), Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, who said that the pope will be meeting dignitaries from nations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. His arrival will take place on February 27 at 8 am in the Luigi Ridolfi Stadium by helicopter, followed by a visit to the Hall of the Five Hundred (Salone dei Cinquecento) at Palazzo Vecchio. 

A meeting with refugees and their families will be held in Palazzo Vecchio’s Sala d’Arme at 9:30 am followed by Mass in the Basilica di Santa Croce at 10:30 am. Pope Francis’ visit will conclude by reciting the Angelus prayer in Piazza Santa Croce. The pope will then return to the Luigi Ridolfi stadium at 12:30 pm and arrive back to the Vatican at 1:30 pm via helicopter. 

In recent times, with increasing tension in the geo-political climate and increased migration, the Pope’s visit is said to help spread the message to seek collaboration and not division. Dario Nardella, mayor of Florence, says the forum–which will host 100 bishops and 100 mayors from Mediterranean countries–will help open will open dialogue to promote peace and development in this area.  He added that he considers the event a unique one, during which the Pope will speak to Europe and the world, a continuation of former mayor of Florence Giorgio La Pira’s plans to advocate for peace and human rights.  (nelson matos)