Vatican releases official itinerary of papal visit to the United States
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has released the official itinerary of Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to the United States of America for the 8th World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia this September.
The highlights of Pope’s packed 6-day schedule (September 22-27) also include the canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra; an official address to a joint session of the US Congress and the United Nations General Assembly; an event on religious liberty at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall; and meetings with the homeless, prisoners, and immigrants.
Prior to his arrival in the United States, Pope Francis will also visit Cuba. His three-day visit to the island nation is particularly significant in light of the key role the Vatican played in restoring diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba earlier this year.
Here below we publish the official itinerary of Pope Francis’ US visit.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER (Washington, DC)
4:00 p.m. Arrive from Cuba at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (Washington, DC)
9:15 a.m. Welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House and Courtesy Visit with President Barack Obama at the White House
11:30 a.m. Midday Prayer and Meeting with the Bishops of the United States at St. Matthew’s Cathedral
4:15 p.m. Holy Mass and Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (Washington, DC and New York City)
9:20 a.m. Address a joint session of the US Congress
11:15 a.m. Visit to the Center for Catholic Charities at the Parish of St. Patrick and meeting with the homeless in Washington, D.C.
4:00 p.m. Depart from Andrews Air Force Base
5:00 p.m. Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York
6:45 p.m. Vespers (Evening Prayer), with Clergy and Men and Women Religious at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (New York City)
8:30 a.m. Address to the United Nations General Assembly
11:30 a.m. Interreligious Meeting at the 9/11 Ground Zero Memorial
4:00 p.m. Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem for a meeting with children and families of immigrants
6:00 p.m. Holy Mass at Madison Square Garden
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (New York City and Philadelphia)
8:40 a.m. Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City
9:30 a.m. Arrive at Atlantic Aviation Airport in Philadelphia
10:30 a.m. Holy Mass with the Clergy and Religious of Pennsylvania at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul in Philadelphia
4:45 p.m. Meeting on Religious Liberty with the Hispanic Community and other immigrants at Independence Mall
7:30 p.m. Festival of Families and prayer vigil on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (Philadelphia)
9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops present at the World Meeting of Families at St. Martin’s Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
11:00 a.m. Visit the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
4:00 p.m. Holy Mass for the conclusion of the 8th World Meeting of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
7:00 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers, and benefactors of the 8th World Meeting of Families at Atlantic Aviation Airport
8:00 p.m. Depart for Rome
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
10:00 a.m. Arrive at Ciampino Airport in Rome
Diane Montagna
is Rome correspondent for Aleteia’s English edition.
