Program of Apostolic trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan released
In autumn Pope Francis will complement his visit to the Caucasus, which started in late June with a visit to Armenia, with the Apostolic trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan, which will continue from September 30 to October 2, 2016. The Vatican released the official program of this trip.
The Apostolic visit will start with a flight from Rome International Airport Fumiccino. On Friday, September 30, at 9:00 am local time, the plane with the Pope on the board will depart to Tbilisi international airport, where the welcome ceremony will be arranged. From the airport, the Head of the Catholic Church will head for the presidential palace, where he is to make a courtesy visit to the Head of State and meet with government officials, civil society representatives and the diplomatic corps. Thereafter, at the Patriarchal Residence the Holy Father will meet with the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church Catholicos Ilya II, and the Chaldeans Catholic Church - the Assyrian community of Georgia.
On Saturday, October 1, the Holy Mass will begin in the stadium named after Mikheil Meskhi, following which he will meet with clergy and consecrated persons at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Also, in front of “Redemptor Hominis” poliambulatorium on the outskirts of Tbilisi, patronized by Cammilian brothers, the Pope will meet with employees of religious charitable institutions and persons whom they assist. The day will end a visit to the main church of the Georgian Orthodox Church - Patriarchal Cathedral Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta.
On Sunday, October 2, in the morning the Holy Father will make a flight from Tbilisi to Baku, where an official meeting is scheduled at Heydar Aliev international airport. From the airport the Pope will head for the Salesian center, where he is to celebrate the Holy Mass and have lunch with the local community. Thereafter, in front of the Presidential Palace an official welcome ceremony will be held in the square, followed by a courtesy visit to the Head of State and the meeting with the authorities. The Head of the Catholic Church is also set to meet with Sheikh of the Caucasian Muslims, Orthodox Bishop of Baku and head of the Jewish community, and after the ceremony – he is to fly to Rome. It was reported by the Vatican Radio.
