A visit to Albania

On Sunday, September 21 of this year, the Holy Father will travel across the Adriatic Sea to the city of Tirana (Albania) where he will spend one-day visiting with civic authorities and religious leaders, and where he will celebrate Mass with the faithful.

Today, the Vatican Press Centre published the programme for the Pope's one-day visit.

Apostolic Voyage of His Holiness, Pope Francis

to Tirana, Albania

Sunday, September 21, 2014

7:30am  

Scheduled departure from Rome's Fumicino Airport, destination Tirana, Albania

9:00am  

Estimated arrival at Mother Teresa International Airport in Tirana

The Holy Father will be officially welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama

9:30am

Official welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace

Courtesy visit with the President of the Republic in the Green Room at the Presidential Palace

10:00am

Meeting with Civic Authorities in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Palace

The Holy Father will deliver a speech

11:00am

Eucharistic Celebration in Mother Teresa Square

The Holy Father will preach the homily

Prayer of the Angelus Domini with greetings from the Holy Father

1:30pm

Luncheon meeting with the Albanian bishops and with the Papal party at the Apostolic Nunciature

4:00pm

Meeting with leaders of other religions and other Christian denominations at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic University

The Holy Father will deliver a speech

5:00pm

Celebration of Vespers with priests, religious, seminarians and lay movements in the Cathedral of Tirana

The Holy Father will deliver a speech

6:30pm

Meeting with children from the Bethany Centre, and with representatives and staff from other child care centres throughout Albania in the church at the Bethany Centre

The Holy Father will deliver a speech

7:45pm

Departure ceremony at the Mother Teresa International Airport in Tirana

8:00pm

Scheduled departure from Tirana for the flight to Rome's Ciampino airport

9:30pm

Scheduled arrival at Rome's Ciampino airport