Rome, Italy, Mar 5, 2009 / 08:59 am
Today the schedule for Pope Benedict’s brief March 9 visit to Rome’s Town Hall was made public by the Vatican.
On Monday just before 11 o'clock, the Holy Father will arrive at the Town Hall, located on Rome's Capitoline Hill, where he will be welcomed by Mayor Gianni Alemanno. He will then attend a special session of the municipal council where he will deliver an address.
Following the speech, Roman citizens will have an opportunity to greet the Pope at the loggia on Palazzo Senatorio.
Leaving the Town Hall, Benedict XVI will travel to the nearby monastery of Santa Francesca Romana at Tor de' Specchi. After pausing in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and venerating the saint's body in the chapel of the choir, he give a brief address to those in attendance.
The Holy Father is due to return to the Vatican at 1:15 p.m.