When Benedict XVI travels to Naples next month to participate in the interreligious prayer meeting for peace, he will meet with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.The Pope will be in Naples for a day trip 21 October, which coincides with the opening of the 21st International Encounter of Peoples and Religions.
The meeting, organised by the Community of Sant'Egidio and the Archdiocese of Naples, has as its theme: Toward a World Without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue.
Bartholomew I told the Apcom news agency: "I will be in Naples for four days and will take part in Benedict XVI's celebration and the interreligious prayer service."
Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe spoke to Vatican Radio last Wednesday about the Pope's Oct 21 trip, which coincides with the opening of the 21st international encounter, an event born from the World Day of Prayer for Peace, convoked in Assisi by Pope John Paul II in 1986.
Cardinal Sepe said that by accepting the invitation to visit Naples, the Holy Father is giving a special sign of his love for the diocese. He said he hopes the visit will "incite this Church, this community, to keep their faith in Christ and the Church alive."
Benedict XVI's trip to Naples for the International Encounter of Peoples and Religions is expected to bring about a "boost of faith," says the archbishop of that city.
To prepare for the Pope's visit, Cardinal Sepe sent a pastoral letter titled Naples Meets Peter, in which he invited the faithful to consider ways to prepare for the encounter.
He offered some suggestions, such as Bible studies on John 21, and reflection on the Italian bishops' pastoral letter issued at the end of their meeting in Verona.
"This is being done by religion teachers in schools, who will explain to the students the meaning of this event. The same thing is happening in religious houses, above all in cloistered monasteries, where they have begun a series of spiritual preparations for the event," Cardinal Sepe affirmed.
There will also be parish meetings to discuss the meaning and importance of the Holy Father's visit and the interreligious encounter.
Cardinal Sepe announced part of Benedict XVI's schedule for the day trip.
The Pope will arrive at 9:30 a.m. and, after greeting the port authorities, will go by car directly to Piazza del Plebiscito where he will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m., concelebrated with cardinals and bishops of the region.
After Mass, the Holy Father will pray the Angelus and make his way to the Major Seminary of Capodimonte, where he will meet the heads of the Christian delegations and representatives of other world religions, including the Patriarch.
Then, the Holy Father will have lunch with these religious leaders. Next, he will take a brief rest, and then will venerate the remains of San Gennaro, patron of the city of Naples, in the cathedral.
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