Vatican City, 29 December 2014 (VIS) –
Pompeii will be the first port of call on Pope Francis' trip to the
Italian region of Campania. On 21 March the Holy Father will begin
his pilgrimage to Naples, starting from the statue dedicated to the
Virgin of the Rosary in Pompeii, according to the prelate archbishop
and pontifical delegate of the shrine, Tommaso Caputo, who added that
the Pope's visit constitutes an event of extraordinary ecclesial
importance.
“The filial and tender Marian
devotion that the Pope continues to show is also at the root of the
Church of Pompeii's strong commitment towards the humblest and
neediest among us”, explained the prelate. “Today, more than ever
before, the motivating forces of charity, intimately linked to the
needs of justice and respect for the dignity of every person, are
strongly felt. Aside from our joy for his visit, we hope that Pope
Francis will show us the path to take to be even closer to and more
united with our people”.
St. John Paul II also visited Pompeii
on 21 October 1979, during his visit to Naples, and he returned there
on 7 October 2003 for the conclusion of the Year of the Rosary.
Benedict XVI also visited the shrine, again during the month of the
Rosary, October 2008.
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