Pope to visit Sardinia

Yesterday morning, the Holy See released details about the Holy Father’s upcoming visit to Cagliari, located on the island of Sardinia.  During one of the weekly General Audiences held in May of this year, the Holy Father had announced his intention to visit the diocese of Cagliari due to the brotherhood that exists between Cagliari and his native Buenos Aires.

Pedro de Mendoza, who founded it in February 2, 1536, dedicated the city to Our Lady, Holy Mary of the Buon Ayre (Fair Winds), keeping a promise made to the Patroness of Navigators. Later on, when the city was resettled by Juan de Garay in 1580, a compromise was made in naming the city.

The Holy Father will depart from Rome on the morning of September 22.  When he arrives in Cagliari, he will greet and address civil authorities on the island, then go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria where he will visit with the sick and celebrate Mass.  After Mass, Pope Francis will have lunch with the bishops of Sardinia at the Regional Pontifical Seminary of Cagliari and will then go to the Cathedral where he will meet with the poor and several detainees. The Pope will then will meet some representatives from the world of culture and will meet with the youth of Cagliari before returning to the Vatican in the evening.