Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has never missed his appointment before and after each apostolic journey with the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, the icon kept in the Roman Basilica of Santa María Maggiore.
On the morning of this Tuesday, September 19, 3 days before embarking on his trip to the French city of Marseille, the Holy Father prayed before this Virgin, known as Our Lady of the Snows.
Pope Francis asked for your intercession for his visit to Marseille, where he will be from Friday, September 22 to Saturday, September 23, to participate in the conclusion of the “Mediterranean Encounters” event.
Last Sunday, during the Angelus, the Successor of Peter asked the faithful for prayers for this trip that will last only two days and whose program includes a meeting with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, at the Palais du Pharo in the city. port, located in the south of France.
Due to the migration crisis, Pope Francis highlighted that “this challenge is not easy, as we can see in the news these days, but we must face it together, since it is essential for the future of all, a future that will only be prosperous if It is based on fraternity, giving priority to human dignity and specific people, especially those most in need.”
Next Friday, September 22 at 2:35 pm (Rome time) Pope Francis’ plane will depart from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport to Marseille
At 4:15 pm, you will arrive at Marseille International Airport and the official welcome of the President of France will take place.
At 5:15 pm, he will participate in the Marian prayer with the diocesan clergy at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
The next day, Saturday, September 23 at 8:45 am, the Holy Father will hold a private meeting with people in financial difficulties at the Archbishop’s residence.
Later, at 10:00 am, Pope Francis will lead the final session of the “Mediterranean Meetings” at the Palais du Pharo. At 11:30 a.m., the meeting with the President of the Republic will take place there.
In the afternoon, at 4:15 p.m., the Holy Father will celebrate a Holy Mass at the Velodrome Stadium.
Then, at 6:45 pm, there will be the farewell ceremony at Marseille International Airport. At 7:15 pm you will depart by plane to Rome, where you are scheduled to arrive at 8:50 pm.