On Monday, the Holy See Press Office presented the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil that will take place in Rome from September 30 to October 2, 2023. 

Pope Francis gave the first information about this event during the Angelus on January 15, where he assured the faithful that “the path towards Christian unity and the path of the synodal conversion of the Church are united.”  

For this reason, he explained that “on Saturday, September 30, 2023, an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil will take place in St. Peter’s Square, with which we will entrust to God the work of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops”.  

The Vatican invited young people from 18 to 35 years of age from around European countries and from all Christian traditions to Rome from Friday evening, September 30, to Sunday, October 2, to share a weekend together. 

They will be hosted by parishes and communities in Rome and stay with the local population. According to the Holy See, this event can be experienced in continuity with the World Youth Day that will take place in Lisbon at the beginning of August.  

Pope Francis and representatives of various Churches will attend the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil.  

In addition, this common prayer will include listening to the Word of God, praise and intercession, the songs of Taizé, and silence, a vital sign of fraternity, unity, and peace.  

This event will take place on the eve of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme: “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation and mission,” which last from October 4 to 29, 2023.  

The program: 

The morning of Saturday, September 30, will begin with a program divided into a series of “routes,” allowing for meetings and visits to various places in Rome.  

Participants will be invited to participate in workshops, round tables, and spiritual conversations on various topics in churches of different confessions and other places.  

One of the weekend’s highlights will be the worship service held on Saturday evening at a central location in Rome, after which the participants will arrive together in St. Peter’s Square.  

The Ecumenical Prayer Vigil, open to all, will take place on Saturday evening, October 1, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.