Pous Francis amptelike besoek te bring aan die Europese Parlement

Die Pous is deur president Schulz, namens die Europese Parlement, genooi toe hy 'n amptelike besoek aan die Vatikaan gebring het op 11 Oktober 2013. Dit is die eerste besoek aan die Parlement deur 'n soewereine pous in 26 jaar. Laaste keer was in 1988, toe Pous Jean Paul II 'n toespraak aan die Parlement gelewer het, net een jaar voor die val van die Berlynse Muur.

"We are very honoured and proud to receive Pope Francis in the European Parliament. Through his speech to the European Parliament he will have the opportunity to address the millions of citizens represented by our Members," President Schulz said ahead of the visit."I look forward to his opinion on shared concerns such as the economic crisis, the fight against poverty, immigration policy and several other matters where a solution needs a stronger and more dynamic European Union", he added.

The Pope will arrive at the European Parliament in Strasbourg at around 10h30 and be received by President Schulz in front of the main entrance, with a welcoming ceremony comprising the two anthems and a flag-raising ceremony. After the ceremony, President Schulz will introduce the Pope to the members of the Bureau and Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament. At 11h15, Pope Francis will deliver his speech to MEPs. After visiting Parliament, the Pope will visit the Council of Europe.