Pope Francis is to visit the southern Italian city on Saturday 21 March 2015, fulfilling a promise he made in July during his visit to Caserta, Vatican Radio has confirmed.
The visit was announced today by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the archbishop of Naples, on the feast of Saint Januarius. Every year the faithful can witness in Naples cathedral the liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius, the city’s patron saint. The miracle took place again this year, shortly after ten o’clock this morning.
Cardinal Sepe said during his homily that the Pope will arrive in a city that is “hungry for God,” and that the Pope is expected to meet with representatives of the world of work and culture.
He will also venerate the relics of Saint Januarius, spend time with local clergy, lunch with detainees, greet the sick, and meet with young people and laity. His visit will conclude with a solemn Mass at 5pm, Cardinal Sepe said.
