You won’t have to go to the Vatican to see the Pope if you’re near Verona on May 18th, 2024. Pope Francis is visiting Verona and spending the entire day speaking on Psalm 85, a narrative of restoring love and a relationship between God and his people, as well as applying it to personal relationships. The event is called “Justice and Peace Shall Embrace” and will also touch on social justice issues.
The Pope’s Itinerary on May 18
The day starts in front of Saint Zeno Cathedral, where Pope Francis will meet with around 7,000 children and young adults, leading spiritual exercises and entertainment. The event is geared to connecting with youth, through creative outlets for peace organized by local churches and schools.
Pope Francis will also visit the Montorio Penitentiary at noon, and will sit down to eat a meal with inmates who have their own art to display for him. In fact, all the woodworking installations that will be on the Arena di Pace stage are made in the prison’s workshop, which showcase the rehabilitation through learned skills of the inmates. This initiative for the prisoners helps to build confidence and self reliance that will hopefully reduce the rate of re-offending once the prisoners are released back into society. Additionally, communion wafers for the stadium liturgy are crafted by inmates in Castelfranco Emilia, symbolizing unity and redemption.
Arena di Pace, a central event running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., is the gathering point for Italian grassroots movements and an artistic-cultural exchange. Pope Francis’ participation is meant to highlight his dedication to dialogue and addressing societal challenges, and show the importance of collective action in nurturing global solidarity.
The last event of the day ish a Pentecostal service at Bentegodi Stadium (3 p.m.), expected to draw up to 30,000 attendees. Before the Mass, a youth-led event titled “Courage for Peace” will involve 3,800 kids and young adults in discussions, music, dance, and reflections. Activists, journalists, and artists will contribute to the narrative of “justice and peace.”
Pope Francis’ visit to Verona is meant to urge people to manifest their aspirations for “justice and peace” into tangible projects that promote social fairness and inclusivity. Pope Francis and Verona are united in a shared vision of a harmonious and equitable world for everyone.
