Vatican City: The Vatican has announced the official programme for Pope Leo XIV's pastoral visit to Assisi on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration, where he will celebrate Holy Mass with hundreds of young people taking part in the international "Go! Franciscan Youth Meeting 2026." The Holy See has also released the Pope's schedule for several important liturgical celebrations and pastoral visits planned throughout the month of August.
Pope Leo XIV will begin his visit by leaving the Vatican by helicopter at 8.00 am and is expected to arrive in Assisi at 8.30 am. Upon arrival, he will be welcomed by Archbishop Felice Accrocca of Assisi, along with Italian civil authorities and Church leaders.
The Pope will then travel to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, one of the most significant Franciscan shrines in the world. There, he will first meet the Ministers General of the Franciscan Orders before joining hundreds of young pilgrims gathered in the square outside the basilica.
At 8.45 am, Pope Leo will spend time with the participants of the "Go! Franciscan Youth Meeting," responding to three questions presented by young people. The organisers say this personal interaction is intended to encourage open dialogue and inspire young people to deepen their faith while reflecting on the life and mission of St. Francis of Assisi.
Following the youth gathering, the Pope will greet representatives of the Franciscan family in the convent cloister at 9.15 am. Among those present will be members of the national committee responsible for organising the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, a milestone being observed throughout 2026 with special liturgies, pilgrimages and cultural events.
The main event of the visit will take place at 10.30 am when Pope Leo XIV celebrates Holy Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, a young participant will offer words of thanks on behalf of everyone attending the international gathering.
The Pope is scheduled to depart Assisi at around 12.15 pm by helicopter and return to the Vatican, where he is expected to arrive at approximately 12.45 pm.
The "Go! Franciscan Youth Meeting" is an international event that brings together young adults between the ages of 18 and 33 from across Europe. The gathering welcomes both believers and those who are still searching for faith. Over four days, participants will take part in prayer services, workshops, cultural activities, discussions and a music competition inspired by the spirituality and message of St. Francis.
The event forms part of the year long commemorations marking 800 years since the death of St. Francis, whose witness of simplicity, peace and care for creation continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
Alongside the Assisi visit, the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has announced several other important events in Pope Leo XIV's August calendar.
On August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pope will celebrate Holy Mass at 10.00 am in the Pontifical Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo, where he is spending part of the summer.
Later in the month, on August 22, Pope Leo will travel to the central Italian city of Rimini to participate in the 47th Meeting for Friendship among Peoples, one of Italy's best known annual cultural and religious gatherings. During the visit, he will celebrate Holy Mass at the city's port at 6.30 pm.
The Pope's August programme will conclude on August 29 in Castel Gandolfo, where he will celebrate Holy Mass at 6.00 pm at the Church of Our Lady of the Lake before leading a traditional religious procession with the faithful.
The series of pastoral visits and liturgical celebrations reflects Pope Leo XIV's continuing emphasis on meeting young people, strengthening the Church's missionary spirit and encouraging Catholics to draw inspiration from the lives of the saints while celebrating the Church's major feasts during the summer season.