Pope Francis plans to travel to Slovakia from September 12 to 15 of this year.

The announcement of the pastoral visit came twice on Sunday, first in words from the Holy Father after praying the noonday Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s square and later in a confirming statement from the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni.

There were a number of people from Slovakia. There were obviously please by the Pope’s announcement.

“I am happy to announce that from the next 12 to 15 September, God willing, I will travel to Slovakia to make a pastoral visit, in the afternoon [of the 12^th],” the Pope said. “The Slovaks there are happy… [Numerous pilgrims from Slovakia were present] First, [the morning of that Sunday, 12 September] I will celebrate the concluding Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest. I heartfully thank those who are preparing this journey and I am praying for them. Let us all pray for this journey and for the people who are working to organize it.

“I greet all of you with affection, pilgrims from Italia and various countries, especially those from Slovakia! In particular, I greet the groups of the faithful from Cosenza, Crotone, Morano Calabro, and Ostuni.”

Holy See Press Office announcement:

“As announced by the Holy Father during this morning’s Angelus, having accepted the invitation from the civil authorities and the Episcopal Conferences, on Sunday, 12 September 2021, Pope Francis will be in Budapest for the celebration of Holy Mass on the conclusion of the 52^nd International Eucharistic Congress; subsequently, from 12 to 15 September 2021, he will travel to Slovakia, visiting the cities of Bratislava, Prešov, Košice e Šaštin. The program of the Journey will be published in due course”.

Pope Francis and pilgrims from five continents are expected to take part at the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest.

Budapest will host the event from September 5-12. The Holy Father is expected to celebrate the closing mass on September 12, organizers of the event announced.