ROME (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV is heading across Italy in a series of one-day and half-day pastoral visits stretching from the shadow of Mount Vesuvius to the shores of the Adriatic Sea.
The Vatican announced Feb. 19 that the pope will visit six destinations this spring and summer, each tied to a major spiritual or social theme. On the first anniversary of his election, Pope Leo will celebrate Mass at the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, on May 8, the day of the Prayer of Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii, to whom Pope Leo entrusted his mission.
Later that day, he'll head to Naples to meet clergy and greet the faithful. On May 23, he'll visit Acerra in the Terre dei Fuochi, or "Land of Fires," a region long scarred by toxic waste dumping.
The trip falls just before the anniversary of "Laudato Si'." Other stops include Pavia, home to St. Augustine's tomb; Lampedusa, where he is expected to meet with migrants; Assisi during the Jubilee marking 800 years since St. Francis' death; and Rimini for the annual Meeting for Friendship Amongst Peoples.
Pope Leo is expected to travel internationally as well, but the Vatican has yet to confirm the details.
