The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Francis will celebrate a “Mass for Migrants” in St Peter’s Basilica on July 8 to commemorate the 6th anniversary of his 2013 visit to Lampedusa, an Italian island in the Mediterranean.
The Vatican said that around 250 people will participate in the private papal celebration next week, “among whom will be migrants, refugees and those who are dedicated to saving their lives.”
“The Holy Father desires that the moment be as recollected as possible in the remembrance of how many have lost their lives fleeing war and misery, and so as to encourage those who strive day after day to sustain, accompany and welcome migrants and refugees,” the Vatican announced.