7.00

Departure by helicopter from the Vatican heliport.

8.15

Arrival in Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo in Bari.

The Holy Father is received by:

-       H.E. Msgr. Francesco Cacucci, archbishop of Bari-Bitonto;

-       Hon. Michele Emiliano, president of the Puglia Region;

-       Marilisa Magno, prefect of Bari;

-       Hon. Antonio Decaro, mayor of Bari.

Transfer by car to the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas;

in the meantime, the Patriarchs transfer to the Basilica from their residences.

8.30

In front of the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Holy Father receives the Patriarchs and greets them individually; in the Basilica, the Patriarchs wait in front of the presbytery.

The last to enter the Basilica, the Holy Father greets the members of the Dominican Community.

8.45

The Holy Father and the Patriarchs descend into the crypt of the Basilica for the veneration of the relics of Saint Nicholas – lighting of the single-flamed lamp.

9.15

The Holy Father and the Patriarchs leave the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and travel by coach to the “Rotonda” on the Bari seafront promenade.

9.30

Bari seafront promenade: Prayer meeting.

10.30

At the end of the joint prayer meeting, the Holy Father and the Patriarchs return to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas by coach.

11.00

Basilica of Saint Nicholas: Dialogue (behind closed doors).

13.30

Transfer by coach to the Archbishopric for lunch.

15.30

In the Archbishopric, the Holy Father takes leave of the Patriarchs.

16.00

Before entering the helicopter, the Holy Father takes leave of the Authorities who received him in the morning.

17.15

Arrival at the Vatican heliport.