Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will undertake a series of pastoral visits across Italy in 2026, including trips to Pompeii, Naples, Acerra, Pavia, Assisi, Rimini, and the island of Lampedusa. The Prefecture of the Papal Household announced that the visits will take place between May and August and will include moments of prayer, meetings with clergy and faithful, and outreach to communities facing social challenges.
The pastoral tour will begin on May 8, marking the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election. He will travel to the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, a major pilgrimage site known for the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii held each May and November. The shrine was founded by Saint Bartolo Longo, canonized by Pope Leo in October 2025. Pope will celebrate Mass and recite the traditional supplication prayer before spending time with pilgrims.
Later that day, he will travel to Naples. There he is scheduled to meet clergy and religious in the cathedral and address citizens gathered in Piazza del Plebiscito.
On May 24, Pope will visit Acerra, a town located in the area known as the “Land of Fires,” long affected by illegal toxic waste dumping and pollution. The visit is expected to highlight environmental concerns and support local communities that have suffered health consequences linked to pollution.
On June 20, Pope Leo will travel to Pavia, a city closely connected to Saint Augustine. The Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro houses the remains of the saint, whom Pope has often cited as a spiritual influence.
On July 4, the Pope will visit the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, a major arrival point for migrants crossing from Africa and the Middle East into Europe. The visit echoes Pope Francis’ historic 2013 trip, during which he prayed for migrants who died at sea. Pope Leo is expected to meet migrants and humanitarian workers and offer words of comfort and encouragement.
Pope will return to Assisi on August 6 for celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis. He is scheduled to meet young people and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
The pastoral journey will conclude in Rimini, where Pope Leo XIV will participate in the 47th Meeting for Friendship among Peoples. He will meet participants and celebrate the Eucharist with the faithful of the local diocese.
These visits reflect Pope’s focus on prayer, social justice, environmental care, youth engagement, and solidarity with migrants and vulnerable communities.