Assisi: Pope signs 'Fratelli tutti' at tomb of St Francis

Pope celebrates Mass by tomb of St Francis - screenshot

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis visited Assisi on Saturday, the anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, where he celebrated Mass before the Saint's tomb, before signing his new Encyclical: 'Fratelli tutti.'

The Holy Father traveled to Assisi by car. On the way, he visited the Monastery of Vallegloria in Spello, and called in to the Convent of Saint Clare where greeted the Poor Clare sisters.

On his arrival in Assisi the Pope was greeted by the Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, Domenico Sorrentino; Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the pontifical legate for the Basilicas of St Francis and St Mary of the Angels in Assisi; the guardian of the Sacro Convento, Fr Mauro Gambetti; and Fr Enzo Fortunato, spokesperson for the Franciscan Friary.

About 20 friars and several women religious were present for the celebration of Mass in the crypt of the 13th century Basilica which houses St Francis's remains.

After the Gospel, the Holy Father spent several minutes in silent reflection and then continued the celebration of Mass.

At the conclusion of Mass, Pope Francis invited Mgr Paolo Braida to bring copies of the Encylical to be signed. He explained that Mgr Braida handles the translations in the First Section of the Secretariat of State. "He oversees everything. This is why I wanted him to be present here, today, and that he should bring the Encyclical to me."

He also introduced two of the priests who also work in the First Section. Fr Antonio translated the Encylical into Portuguese from the original Spanish. Fr Cruz, oversaw all of the translations from the original Spanish.

"I am doing this as a sign of gratitude to the entire First Section of the Secretariat of State who worked on the translations."

At the end of Mass, Pope Francis briefly visited the Franciscan community in the Sacro Convento monastery attached to the Basilica.

This was the Pope's fifth visit to Assisi. The text of 'Fratelli tutti' will be officially released at 12 noon on 4 October, the feast of St Francis.

Watch the Vatican New Youtube report: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqCsryKxQT8