Leo XIV made his first trip outside the Rome area (still within Italy) on November 20, traveling to Assisi to conclude the general assembly of the Italian bishops.
He visited the tomb of St. Francis and then went to the monastery of Montefalco, run by Augustinian nuns, to celebrate Mass and have lunch.
His predecessor, who chose the name Francis in homage to the saint of Assisi, visited the Umbrian city six times during his pontificate.
Leo XIV arrived in Assisi by helicopter around 8:30 a.m. and immediately went to the Basilica of St. Francis to pray at the tomb of the great saint (1181-1226).
“It is a blessing to be able to come here today to this sacred place. We are approaching the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis, which gives us the opportunity to prepare to celebrate this great, humble, and poor saint at a time when the world is looking for signs of hope,” he told reporters, according to the Catholic news agency SIR.
About 30 minutes later, the Pontiff arrived at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels. This is another place associated with Francis of Assisi, as this Baroque church houses the Portiuncula, a chapel renovated by the saint after a vision he received in prayer, during which he heard the words: “Go and repair my church.”
In this basilica, the Pontiff addressed the Italian bishops at the conclusion of their 81st general assembly, which opened in Assisi on November 17.
The pope, as Bishop of Rome and Primate of Italy, usually participates in this meeting.
Synodality, bishops' retreat, merger of dioceses
In his speech, transmitted by the Holy See, Leo XIV painted a picture of an “era marked by divisions, both national and international,” lamenting the increasing spread of “messages and words often marked by hostility and violence.”
“The race for efficiency leaves the most vulnerable behind,” he lamented, also targeting the “technological omnipotence” that “stifles freedom” and the loneliness that “consumes hope.”
Faced with these challenges, the Pontiff encouraged Italian bishops to be “builders of friendship, fraternity, and authentic relationships” in their communities in order to “listen and ease tensions.”
Advocating for greater synodality, the pope also announced that he would continue the policy of “diocesan regroupings” (mergers of dioceses) implemented by his predecessors, considering it essential to address the challenges of evangelization and the changes in Italian society. He also announced that the Dicastery for Bishops and the Apostolic Nunciature would now coordinate to promote “greater participation in the consultation for the appointment of new bishops.”
He announced his intention to apply the retirement age of 75, as provided for in canon law for bishops, with “possibly” two additional years for cardinals.
Bishops always submit their resignations to the pope at age 75, but sometimes it takes a number of years before the pope accepts it.
Leo XIV also urged Italian bishops to promote “integral humanism” in society. He encouraged them to intervene in public debate to defend “a sense of humanity that exalts the value of life and care for every creature.”
He specifically mentioned the issue of digital media, asking them to work to ensure that “the Internet can truly be a space of freedom, responsibility, and fraternity.”
Leo XIV remained in the basilica for half an hour before returning to his helicopter, which took him to Montefalco, a small town about 20 kilometers south of Assisi. There he visited a community of Augustinian nuns, with whom he was to celebrate Mass and share a meal. The pope is then scheduled to return to the Vatican by helicopter in the early afternoon.
