Brazil will be the only international destination for Pope Francis in
2013. This was stated by Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, in a meeting at the headquarters of the Foreign Press Association in Rome.
"I invite you to not expect others to trips abroad this year," Father Lombardi said.
Pope Francis will travel to Rio de Janeiro for the 28th World Youth Day, to be held July 23 to 28, with the motto "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28, 19).
And the Director of the Holy See Press Office did not rule out the publication this year of the Pope’s first encyclical remembering that Benedict XVI had already prepared the material on the topic of faith.
Father Lombardi went on to say that the pope emeritus, who currently resides in Castel Gandolfo, is expected to move back to the Vatican, to the Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae, between late April and early May.
Pope Francis, however, will continue to reside in the Casa Santa Marta, where "he is very well settled”. Father Lombardi added: “At the moment, he does not seem to want to change his dwelling, even if a final decision has not been made."
In recent days, Dr. Alberto Gasbarri, who is in charge of all international papal journeys, traveled to Rio de Janeiro to finalize details of Pope Francis’ visit: "The program will follow the desires of the Pope," he said, recalling that the presence of the Holy Father is confirmed for the welcome ceremony, the Way of the Cross, the Vigil and closing Mass of World Youth Day, scheduled for Sunday, July 28 at the Campus Fidei, in Guaratiba.