Pope Leo to visit Pavia, bless 'cradle for life' and donate rice

Pavia is preparing to welcome Pope Leo for his first visit to northern Italy as Pontiff. The Pope is scheduled to arrive in the early afternoon and will proceed to Piazza Duomo.

In a significant gesture of support for vulnerable newborns, Pope Leo will bless a 'cradle for life' incubator. This device allows mothers to anonymously leave infants after birth if they are unable or unwilling to care for them. Organizers explained that the incubator was a donation from a married couple and will be installed at the parish of Sant'Alessandro in Pavia.

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He had sent an email saying that his life had changed a bit and therefore he could no longer come.

During his visit, the Pope will also bless bread, a symbol of sustenance, and receive floral tributes from children. These tributes will include messages of peace, specifically referencing the ongoing conflicts and "against genocide." An olive tree, symbolizing peace, will also be present.

In a separate act of charity, two tons of Carnaroli rice, collected through a solidarity chain by the Italian Farmers Confederation of Pavia, will be donated to the Apostolic Alms Office. This rice will be distributed to the poor in Rome, with 800 kilograms designated for Ukraine. This initiative is a response to the Pope's calls for solidarity and the sharing of resources with the less fortunate.

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This day is a great emotion for us, we are truly very happy to receive the Pope at CNAO. For us, it represents a culmination, an encouragement to continue on the path we have taken.