"The Pope comes to Assisi to visit Saint Francis’ places". Mgr. Domenico Sorrentino, archbishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, explains the meaning of Benedict XVI’s visit to the land of Saint Francis, on June 17th, announced today. "His trip goes on the archbishop will be completely focussed on the figure of the Saint of Assisi, on the occasion of the Year of Conversion I launched from October 2006 to October 2007 to commemorate the VIII centenary of the conversion of Saint Francis". "We must not forget – adds mgr. Sorrentino -, the words the Pope said on August 31st to the priests of the diocese of Albano, when he mentioned that Saint Francis ‘was not just an environmentalist or a pacifist’ but ‘he was above all a converted man’: so he put it up as a paragon that must not be limited to a few aspects only, such as his love of peace and nature, but must be reinterpreted in the light of its deepest truth". On that occasion, Benedict XVI had expressed his appreciation of mgr. Sorrentino’s initiative, about holding the Year of Conversion. During his visit, the Pope will go to the convent of S. Damian, the basilicas of Saint Clare, Saint Francis and St Rufino. In the basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, he will meet the boys and girls of the diocese.
