Pope Francis opens up on details of Fatima trip for 100th anniversary of apparitions

Pope's two-day trip will be his shortest trip since becoming pope.

Beginning on May 12, Pope Francis will embark on his two-day trip to Portugal to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Fatima Apparitions.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a recent video message, Pope Francis opened up to the people of Portugal in a sort of apology. He explained to them that this would be a pilgrimage for him, rather than his usual apostolic visit.

This trip will become Pope Francis' shortest two-day trip since the start of his pontificate. 

"I come to you in the joy of sharing with you the Gospel of hope and peace," the Pope said in the message released by the Vatican May 10.

He personally thanked the Portuguese people for understanding his need to limit his visit and stated that he did wish he could visit their homes, towns, and communities.

"I know that you wanted me to come to your houses and communities, your villages and cities," he said. "Needless to say, I would have liked to accept, but it isn't possible for me."

Now, the pope's visit will consist of a visit to the site of the apparitions, the Chapel of the Apparitions, praying the rosary at the prayer vigil, celebrating Mass and presiding over the canonization of two of Fatima's visionaries, Francisco and Jacinta Marta.

The children will become two of the youngest non-martyred saints in the Church's history.

"I need to feel your closeness, whether physical or spiritual; the important thing is that it come from the heart. In this way, I can arrange my bouquet of flowers, my 'golden rose,'" he stated. "I want to meet everyone at the feet of the Virgin Mother."

"I will give you all to Our Lady, asking her to whisper to each one of you: 'My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.'"

Pope Francis expressed how grateful he was to know the people of Portugal were preparing to join him on his pilgrimage through prayer.

"I am happy to know that in anticipation of that blessed moment, the culmination of a century of blessed moments, you have been preparing yourselves by intense prayer," he noted. "Prayer enlarges our hearts and makes them ready to receive God's gifts. I thank you for all the prayers and sacrifices that you offer daily for me. I need them because I am a sinner among sinners."

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