Pope to visit Pompeii, Naples and Lampedusa during pastoral tour of Italy

Vatican City, February 20, 2026: The Prefecture of the Papal Household has released the schedule of Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral visits across Italy in 2026, which will include stops in Pompeii, Naples, Acerra, Pavia, Assisi, Rimini and the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa. The visits are planned between May and August and will feature encounters, liturgical celebrations and moments of prayer.

Anniversary celebrations in Pompeii and Naples

The pastoral tour will begin on May 8, marking the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election. On this day, the Pope will travel to Pompeii, where he will spend the day at the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii.

On the day of his election one year earlier, Pope Leo XIV recalled the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii, saying, “Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close, and help us with her intercession and love.”

The shrine, a major pilgrimage destination visited by four Popes and millions of faithful, hosts the Supplication to the Virgin of the Rosary twice a year, in May and November. Founded by Bartolo Longo, canonized by Pope Leo in October 2025, the shrine will be the setting where the Pope will preside over Mass and recite the prayer written by the saint himself.

After lunch in the city, the Holy Father will continue to Naples, where he is scheduled to meet clergy and religious at the cathedral and later address citizens in Plebiscito Square.

A long-awaited visit to Acerra

Later in May, Pope Leo will travel to Acerra, one of the municipalities located in the so-called “Land of Fires,” an area between Naples and Caserta affected for decades by illegal toxic waste disposal and pollution.

Together with Nola and Marigliano, Acerra forms what scientific studies have described as the “Triangle of Death,” due to elevated mortality rates linked to environmental contamination. A visit to Acerra had been planned by Pope Francis in 2020 to mark the anniversary of the encyclical Laudato si’, but it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and never took place.

On Augustinian soil in Pavia

On June 20, the Pope will visit Pavia, a city closely connected with St. Augustine of Hippo, whom Pope Leo XIV has often cited as a spiritual reference. The remains of St. Augustine have been preserved since 722 at the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, which the Pope is expected to visit.

Across the sea to Lampedusa

On July 4, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants arriving from Africa and the Middle East. The island holds particular significance following Pope Francis’ visit in 2013, the first trip of his pontificate.

During that visit, Pope Francis cast a wreath into the sea in memory of migrants who died crossing the Mediterranean. Continuing in that spirit, Pope Leo XIV will meet migrants and those assisting them, offering words of comfort and encouragement.

Returning to Assisi

The Pope will return to Assisi on August 6, fulfilling a promise made to the Franciscans during his visit last year at the conclusion of the Italian Bishops’ Conference assembly. The visit coincides with celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

The programme includes an encounter with young people and Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Final stop in Rimini

The Italian pastoral tour will conclude in Rimini, where Pope Leo XIV will take part in the 47th Meeting for Friendship among Peoples. Along with meeting participants, he will preside over a Eucharistic celebration for the faithful of the local diocese.

Courtesy: Vatican News