Pope Francis to sign a new encyclical on fraternity and social friendship in Assisi on 3 October

In a statement released on Saturday, 5 September, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, announced that Pope Francis will visit the Italian town of Assisi (the home town of Saint Francis) on 3 October, where he will sign a new encyclical entitled “Fratelli tutti”, ("All Brothers”) on fraternity and social friendship.

The Holy Father is expected to arrive in Assisi in the afternoon where he will celebrate Holy Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis. Following the liturgical celebration, he will sign the new encyclical and return to the Vatican.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Pope’s visit will take place in private, without the participation of the faithful.