Pope Francis asks for prayers for his Assisi trip on Thursday
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday asked for prayers for his upcoming trip to Assisi.
The Holy Father will travel to the Umbrian town on Thursday, to mark the eight centenary of the “Pardon of Assisi.” This is an indulgence granted to those who on 2 August visit the “Porziuncola,” the small church located within the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (“St. Mary of the Angels”) which is where is where St. Francis of Assisi began the Franciscan Order.
The “Pardon of Assisi” was established by Pope Honorius III at the request of St. Francis in 1216.
It will be a very simple pilgrimage, but very significant in this Holy Year of Mercy,” – Pope Francis said – “I ask everyone to accompany me with prayer, invoking the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit and the heavenly intercession of Saint Francis.”
Pope Francis visited Assisi in 2013, a few months after his election to the See of Peter.