Pope Benedict XVI’s Official Program in Assisi Announced

October 25, 2011: Pope BENEDICT XVI’s Official program of ASSISI Day on 27th October 2011 is announced on Tuesday. The Holy Father presides over a Celebration of the Word in St. Peter's Square, at 10.30 am on 26th October, in preparation for the Assisi Meet titled "Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace". On 27^th the Pope and the Vatican delegation will depart by train at 8.00 am from Rome. The heads of delegation will accompany the Pope in the carriage. They are scheduled to arrive in Assisi at 9.45 am. The Delegates will be transported to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. The Heads of Delegation will leave with a mini bus along with the Holy Father. Pope Benedict XVI, at the door of the Basilica, will welcome the Heads of Delegations. After Cardinal Turkson’s greeting, a video of the meeting held in 1986 will be played.
This will be followed by Speeches by heads of delegations beginning with His Holiness Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople ,and Ecumenical Patriarch and ending with an Intervention by Professor Julia Kristeva, representing Non-Believers. Pope Benedict XVI will then address the gathering. This will be followed by a frugal Lunch in the refectory of the Convent of St. Mary of the Angels at 1.00 pm. Immediately after, there will time of silence for reflection and personal prayer. The delegation will reach Piazza San Francesco where they witness performance of various songs and choreography. At the Final meeting, Cardinal Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue will welcome the delegates. There will be a renewal of Solemn Commitment for Peace. Representatives of various faiths will address the gathering, and the Conclusion by Benedict XVI. After a moment of silence, a symbolic act of lighting lamps will be done by the delegations, followed by exchange of peace among the delegates. Later the Pope and the delegation will visit the tomb of St. Francis. The Pope is scheduled to arrive at Rome at 8.30 pm