The upcoming Pope Francis’ schedule for July and August has been announced and includes a special Mass for Grandparents followed by two significant apostolic visits. The Pontiff will be taking the entire month of July off, during which there will be no general audiences or official meetings except for the Sunday Angelus prayer.

The calendar for Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations was unveiled today, outlining the events scheduled for July and August. One of the notable events is the Mass for the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly , which will take place on July 23 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Catholic Church observes the World Day each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Jesus’ grandparents, Saints Joachim and Anne. Pope Francis instituted this Day in 2021 since, he believes, grandparents are often forgotten, yet they “are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young.”

Pope Francis has chosen the theme “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50) ” for this occasion, emphasizing the importance of passing down values and faith through generations. This theme aligns with the overarching theme of World Youth Day, “Mary arose and went with haste” (Luke 1:39), symbolizing the connection between the young and the elderly within the Catholic community.

Following the Mass for Grandparents, the Holy Father will embark on two significant apostolic visits. From August 2 to 6, Pope Francis will visit Portugal, where he will participate in World Youth Day activities in Lisbon. Additionally, he will visit the holy site of Fatima and Cascais during his Apostolic Journey in Portugal. World Youth Day is a global event that brings together young Catholics from around the world to celebrate their faith and engage in various activities and discussions.

After his visit to Portugal, Pope Francis will continue his apostolic journey with a trip to Mongolia from August 31 to September 4. The details of his itinerary for this visit are yet to be announced.