VATICAN - Holy Father Benedict XVI to visit the Capitol Building and Monastery of Santa Francesca Romana

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy See Press Office has published the program for the Holy Father Benedict XVI's visit the Capitol Building and the Monastery of Santa Francesca Romana in Tor de Specchi, which will occur on Monday, March 9, liturgical feast of Saint Francis of Rome. The Holy Father will arrive at the Capitol Building at 10:50am, being welcomed by the Mayor of Rome. He will then enter the private study of the Mayor and come out on the balcony facing the Roman Forum to greet employees of the city, and to sign the “Golden Book” in the Flag Hall. At 11:30am, an extraordinary session with the City Council is to be held, in which the Holy Father will give a speech. At the end of the session, Benedict XVI will greet citizens gathered in the Capitol Square from the balcony of the Senate Palace.
At 12:30, the Pope is scheduled to arrive at the Monastery of Santa Francesca Romana in Tor de Specchi, being received by Auxiliary Bishop Ernesto Mandara and Mother Maria Camilla Rea, Abbess of the Monastery. The Pope will later travel to the Choir Chapel, for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to venerate the body of Saint Francis of Rome. After greeting the Abbess, the Holy Father will give a final speech and later return to the Vatican. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 5/3/2009)