Rome Newsroom, Nov 10, 2021 / 13:00 pm
Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Assisi on Friday, the local bishop has said that the pope’s trip serves as a reminder of the Church’s preferential option for the poor.
"With immense joy, we are preparing for the visit, albeit private, of Pope Francis, who for the fifth time comes to Assisi to shake us and remind us that the poor are part of our life and must be part of our heart,” Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino said in a statement sent to CNA on Nov. 10.
The pope will travel to the hometown of his namesake, St. Francis, on Nov. 12 for a visit devoted to spending time with a group of 500 poor people from across Europe.
Upon Pope Francis’ arrival in Assisi, a symbolic pilgrim’s cloak and staff will be given to the pope by the poor, according to the schedule released by the Vatican.