Vatican City, Sep 2, 2008 / 10:00 am (CNA).- On Sunday September 7, the island of Sardinia, which lies southwest of Italy, will welcome Pope Benedict XVI for a one day visit. The city of Cagliari will host the Pope as he celebrates Mass, and visits with bishops, priests, seminarians and young people.

The Holy Father’s pastoral visit will begin with his arrival to the airport in Cagliari at 9:30 a.m. local time. At 10:30 a.m. the Pontiff will celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, followed by a visit to the chapel of the city's regional seminary.

The afternoon will be dedicated to visits with clergy and seminarians. Pope Benedict will have lunch with the bishops of Sardinia at the seminary and then meet with priests, seminarians and the community of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia at the cathedral in Cagliari. He will also deliver an address to the faculty of theology.

In the evening the Holy Father will meet with the youth at 6:15 p.m. in Piazza Yenne.  After his encounter with the youth, the Pope will depart for Rome.

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