The itineraries for Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral visit to Naples and Pompeii have been detailed, scheduled for May 8, 2026, marking one year since his election as pontiff. The visit is expected to include several significant events, showcasing the Vatican’s connection with the Italian faithful and honoring local religious traditions.
In Pompeii, Pope Leo XIV’s schedule begins with an arrival at the meeting area of the Shrine at 8:50 a.m., where church and civil leaders will welcome him. Following this, he is slated to engage with representatives of the “Temple of Charity” at 8:55 a.m., providing an opportunity to witness the charitable efforts conducted at the Shrine and its associated centers. He will arrive in Piazza Bartolo Longo at 9:45 a.m., where he will enter the Shrine for a moment of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
At 10 a.m., Pope Leo XIV intends to pay homage to Saint Bartolo Longo by visiting a chapel dedicated to the founder of the Shrine, stopping to pray before his remains. This moment will be met with greetings from bishops gathered for the occasion and priests from the Prelature of Pompeii as he makes his way to the Chapel of Reconciliation. Shortly after, at 10:30 a.m., the Pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass in Piazza Bartolo Longo, projected to draw thousands of the faithful, with large screens installed for those unable to fit into the square.
At noon, the Pope will participate in the traditional supplication to the Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii. After a time of fellowship over lunch, the Holy Father is expected to leave by helicopter at 3 p.m., aiming to reach Naples by 3:15 p.m., where he will be received by Cardinal Domenico Battaglia and local authorities.
The agenda in Naples features another set of vital interactions. Upon his arrival, Pope Leo XIV is set to meet with the clergy and religious community of the archdiocese at the Cathedral. A group of children is expected to warmly welcome him as he approaches the Cathedral forecourt. Inside the Cathedral, he will first proceed privately to the Royal Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before processing to the high altar, where the bust and reliquary containing the ampoules of San Gennaro’s blood will be displayed.
During this visit, he plans to recite a prayer and deliver remarks to those gathered before arriving at Piazza del Plebiscito at 5:15 p.m. There, he will greet the people of Naples. Subsequently, at 5:20 p.m., the Pope plans to visit the Basilica to engage with the local community of the Minims, alongside various civil and religious leaders.
The day’s events culminate at 5:30 p.m. when Pope Leo XIV will address the people of Naples in Piazza del Plebiscito. The gathering will include an Act of Entrustment to the Virgin Mary before the image of the Immaculate Conception, which will be brought into the square on the occasion of the bicentenary of its coronation. He is set to close the day by imparting his Apostolic Blessing before departing from Piazza del Plebiscito at approximately 6:45 p.m., proceeding to Rotonda Diaz before heading back to the Vatican.
