Pope Leo is set to undertake a significant pastoral tour across Italy from May to August, involving a series of visits that encompass both spiritual matters and pressing social concerns. The preparations have been in motion among the involved dioceses, some of which have been laying groundwork for these visits well before the official announcement that was made yesterday at noon. This tour, termed the 'Italian tour' by some in the Vatican, signifies the Pope's commitment to reaching out to the faithful throughout the country.

The itinerary begins on May 8, which marks the first anniversary of Prevost's election as Pope and is also the day dedicated to the supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Pope Leo will visit Pompeii for a mass at the Marian Sanctuary before meeting the faithful of the Archdiocese of Naples at Piazza del Plebiscito. Following this, the Pope will return to Campania on May 23 for a visit focusing on ecological themes, echoing Pope Francis's earlier intentions to address similar issues following the release of the encyclical "Laudato Si" in 2020, a visit that was ultimately canceled due to the pandemic.

This upcoming series of visits is anticipated not only to strengthen the connection between the papacy and the Italian faithful but also to highlight urgent social themes that are pertinent to contemporary Italian society. Through these pastoral engagements, Pope Leo aims to resonate with a broad audience, addressing both spiritual needs and exacerbating ecological concerns, demonstrating a continuity with his predecessor's priorities.