Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Turin on June 21st and 22nd. In addition to seeing the Holy Shroud, his packed schedule will also focus on young people and the sick.
The Archbishop of Turin offered some details during a Vatican press conference. He also made an important clarification.
MSGR. CESARE NOSIGLIA
Archbishop of Turin
'The exhibit is free. There is no admission charge. Traditionally, pilgrims who wanted to leave a donation discreetly deposited it near the cathedral exit or in the confessionals. On this occasion, these donations will be delivered to the Pope when he goes to Turin on June 21st.â?
Pope Francis will meet with workers, sick people and the disabled. He will have lunch with young prisoners, immigrants, and a family of gypsies.
ELIDE TISI
Deputy Mayor of Turin
'The Pope will pay particular attention to the most vulnerable groups and those who are most in need. This is an important sign.â?
The Pope will meet with young people and address his message to the youth. That's because the showing is taking place to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint John Bosco, who is widely known as the 'Saint of Young People.â? Turin will hold into a miniature World Youth Day.
Salesians will also have a meeting with the Pope. He will become the first pope to visit a Waldensian Evangelical church. That Protestant denomination has a presence in northern Italy and Switzerland.
Interestingly, Pope Francis will meet with some of his distant relatives, as his parents came from Piedmont region of Italy.
And, of course, the Pope will pray in front of the Shroud. According to tradition, the body of Christ was wrapped in it after the crucifixion.
Some 850,000 pilgrims have already requested to visit the Shroud. The exhibit begins on April 19 and will end on June 24.
More information is available at
