7/7/2013
Last minute preparations are being made on the Island for the arrival of the Pope on Monday morning at 9:15. Likely 15,000 in attendance, the mayor: “A visit at no cost thanks to the involvement of citizens”.
The Pope will meet one of the fifty Muslim refugees at Pier Favaloro in Lampedusa. This was confirmed by the parish priest of the island, Don Stefano Nastas. “We chose” explains Fr Stepheno “men, women, children, and youth. They are representative of those who are at the reception center.” For the Pope’s visit, 15,000 people are expected, including thousands of pilgrims.
The Program. The Pope will depart from Ciampino Airport at 8 am and at 9:15 am will land on the island where he will be welcomed by the Archbishop of Agrigento, Francesco Montenegro, and the Mayor of Pelagie, Giusi Nicolini. Off the coast, near the port of Europe, He will launch a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives at sea. At 9:30, a boat will enter the port where customarily immigrants arrive. At 10, the mass. Papa Francesco use a chalice made with wooden pieces from the boats of immigrants. At 11:30, the pontiff will reach the parish of St. Gerland. At 12:30 will leave the parish and will go to the airport at 12:45 where he will land at Ciampino airport an hour later. During his visit, the Pope will meet with, as mentioned, a delegation of 50 migrants who are housed at the reception center on the island.
