The Pope will visit Venice with a program that includes meetings with prisoners, young people and artists. During his approximately six-hour stay in the lagoon city, he will offer three speeches and a homily. In addition, he is scheduled to visit the women’s prison on the island of Giudecca, meet with the artists of the Biennale and celebrate Mass in St. Mark’s Square. Later, he will enter the Basilica to venerate the relics of the patron saint.
The Pope’s trip will last only one day. He will depart and return to the Vatican by helicopter
Program, Sunday, April 28, 2024
6:30 Departure from the Vatican heliport.
8:00 Landing in the internal square of the Venice Women’s Prison on the Island of Giudecca
The Holy Father is received by:
– Patriarch Francesco Moraglia of Venice;
– Maria Milano Franco D’Aragona, Superintendent;
– Mariagrazia Felicita Bregoli, Director;
– Lara Boco, Prison Police Commander.
8:15 Internal courtyard of the Prison:
MEETING WITH THE INMATES
Address of the Holy Father
Also present: administrative staff, Prison Police, Volunteers.
The Holy Father will personally greet the inmates (approximately 80)
8:45 After the meeting in the Courtyard, the Holy Father will go to the Church of La Maddalena (Prison Chapel), where he will be received by His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, curator of the Holy See Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale.
9:00 Church of La Maddalena:
MEETING WITH ARTISTS
– Greeting from Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça.
Address of the Holy Father
The Holy Father will greet the Authorities and the Artists participating in the Exhibition.
9:30 The Holy Father will leave the Island of Giudecca and will proceed to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute by motorboat.
10:00 Square in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute:
MEETING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Address of the Holy Father
To be attended by young people from Venice and the dioceses of the Veneto region.
10:30 After his address, accompanied by a delegation of young people, the Holy Father will cross the bridge connecting with Saint Mark’s Square.
At the entrance to Saint Mark’s Square, the Holy Father will be received by:
– The Honorable Luca Zaia, president of the Veneto Region;
– Dr. Darco Pellos, prefect of Venice;
– Dr. Luigi Brugnaro, mayor of Venice.
11:00 Saint Mark’s Square:
CELEBRATION OF HOLY MASS
Homily of the Holy Father
Regina caeli
At the end of Holy Mass, thanks will be given by Patriarch Francesco Moraglia of Venice.
12:30 At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Holy Father will enter Saint Mark’s Basilica privately to venerate the relics of the Saint; he will then board the motorboat and proceed to the heliport of the “F. Morosini” Naval College at Sant’Elena.
The Holy Father will take leave of the civil and religious authorities who received him.
13:00 Departure from Venice.
14:30 Arrival at the Vatican heliport.
Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 25 March 2024
