Pope Leo XIV to visit five parishes in Rome during Lent

By Devin Watkins

The Vicariate of Rome announced on Friday that Pope Leo XIV will meet with the clergy of the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, February 19, the day after Ash Wednesday.

In a press release, the Vicariate said the Pope would then begin visiting parishes of his diocese.

On each of the five Sundays of Lent, Pope Leo will encounter parish communities representing the five pastoral regions of the Eternal City.

“They will be true pastoral visits,” said Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General of Rome. “Therefore, Pope Leo XIV will meet with various parish groups, including pastoral workers and young people.”

Cardinal Reina said the Pope will then celebrate Mass with the entire parish community.

The parishes include: Holy Mary Queen of Peace in Ostia Lido (southern region) on February 15; Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at Castro Pretorio (central region) on February 22; Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ (eastern region) on March 1; Our Lady of the Presentation (western region) on March 8; and, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at Ponte Mammolo (northern region) on March 15.

“The Holy Father begins his visits to the parishes of his diocese, following the footsteps of his predecessors,” said Cardinal Reina. “This is a source of great joy for all of us and an opportunity to develop our pastoral plan with our Bishop.”