Pope Francis Welcomes Pilgrims from Bar during Historic Mass

Pope Francis greeted a group of pilgrims from the Bar Archdiocese during a mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday. This moment marked a significant occasion, as it was the first time a pope acknowledged the believers from Bar in such a prominent setting. The visit was part of a pilgrimage associated with the Jubilee Year, which occurs every 25 years, encouraging each Catholic diocese to visit Rome.

Accompanying the pilgrims were Rrok Gjonleshaj, the Archbishop of Bar, and Simo Ljuljić, the General Vicar of the Bar Archdiocese, who led the group. “This pilgrimage is a part of the Jubilee Year—every 25 years, it is customary for each diocese to visit Rome if possible,” said Ljuljić. This group of about fifty pilgrims hailed primarily from Bar, Ulcinj, Podgorica, and Tuzi, but also included members from smaller communities.

The journey began on a Wednesday with a bus trip to Drač, Albania, followed by a ferry to Italy. The actual pilgrimage in Rome commenced on Thursday, culminating in their return shortly after the mass on Sunday, Ljuljić explained.

Itinerary and Activities in Rome

The itinerary for the pilgrims was packed with activities. They visited four major basilicas, including St. Peter’s and Santa Maria Maggiore in Vatican City, as well as the Basilica of St. Paul and San Giovanni in Laterano outside the city walls. “This is an essential tradition during a Jubilee Year,” Ljuljić noted. Additionally, they explored the sanctuary of Santa Maria in Celsano, located in the rural area of Lazio.

Ljulić highlighted the significance of Pope Francis’s acknowledgment of the Bar group among the estimated 100,000 attendees at St. Peter’s Square. He attributed this recognition to the protocol of the Holy See, emphasizing that such greetings typically require prior arrangements. “While the Pope regularly greets pilgrims visiting the Vatican, it is essential to announce the visit in advance,” he stated. “Our archbishop was present, and we sent a letter notifying of our arrival, which led to our welcome alongside other pilgrims from dioceses worldwide.”

This experience has left a lasting impression on the Bar pilgrims, underscoring their connection to the broader Catholic community. The historic greeting from Pope Francis serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and unity among believers from diverse backgrounds.