Programmes released for Pope Leo’s visit to Naples and Pompeii

Vatican, April 24, 2026: The programmes for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Naples and Pompeii on May 8, 2026, marking the first anniversary of his election, have been made public. He is scheduled to preside over Mass in Piazza Bartolo Longo in Pompei, take part in the traditional noon supplication to the Virgin of Pompeii, and venerate the relics of San Gennaro in Naples.

The programmes outlining Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples on Friday, May 8, 2026, coinciding with the first anniversary of his election, have now been released.

As per the programme for Pompeii, the Holy Father will arrive at 8:50 a.m. in the meeting area of the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei, where he will be received by Church representatives and civil authorities.

Shortly thereafter, at 8:55 a.m., he will meet representatives of the “Temple of Charity” in the Luisa Trapani Hall, engaging both with those involved in the Shrine’s charitable activities and those served by its various centres.

At 9:30 a.m., the Pope will travel through the city in the popemobile, reaching Piazza Bartolo Longo at 9:45 a.m. He will then enter the Shrine for a time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and will greet the sick, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Mass in Piazza Bartolo Longo and supplication to the Virgin of Pompeii

At 10 a.m., the Holy Father will pay tribute to Saint Bartolo Longo, visiting the chapel dedicated to the Shrine’s founder and pausing in prayer before his mortal remains. He will then be welcomed by bishops gathered for the occasion, while priests of the Prelature of Pompeii and the Shrine will greet him in the Chapel of Reconciliation.

At 10:30 a.m., Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass in Piazza Bartolo Longo.

Thousands of faithful are expected to participate, both in the square and along the surrounding streets, with large screens arranged for viewing.

At noon, the traditional supplication to the Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii will take place.

The Pope will then have lunch before departing by helicopter at 3 p.m. for Naples, where he is scheduled to arrive at 3:15 p.m. He will be welcomed by Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, along with civil authorities.

Naples programme focuses on Saint Januarius

In Naples, Pope Leo XIV will meet the clergy and members of consecrated life of the Archdiocese at the Cathedral.

According to the programme, a large group of children will assemble in the Cathedral forecourt to welcome him.

Upon entering, the Holy Father will first proceed privately to the Royal Chapel of the Treasury of Saint Januarius (San Gennaro) for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He will then process through the central nave to the high altar, where the bust and reliquary containing the ampoules of the blood of Saint Januarius will be displayed.

Pope Leo XIV will recite a prayer and deliver an address.

Afterwards, the Holy Father will leave the Cathedral and proceed to Piazza del Plebiscito, a key central square in Naples, where he is expected to arrive at 5:15 p.m. to greet the faithful.

Shortly afterwards, at 5:20 p.m., he will visit the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola to greet the community of the Minims, along with several civil and religious authorities.

Addressing the city of Naples in Piazza del Plebiscito

The final major event of the day will begin at 5:30 p.m., when Pope Leo XIV will meet the people of Naples in Piazza del Plebiscito and will address the city.

At the end of the gathering, there will be an Act of Entrustment to the Virgin Mary before the venerated image of the Immaculate Conception, which will be brought into the square for the occasion of the bicentenary of its coronation, before Pope Leo imparts his Apostolic Blessing.

Pope Leo XIV will then depart from Piazza del Plebiscito and travel to Rotonda Diaz, from where he will leave by helicopter at 6:45 p.m. for his return to the Vatican.

Courtesy: Vatican News