Pope Francis Welcomes Pilgrims from Bar During Historic Mass

During a special Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on July 23, 2023, Pope Francis greeted a group of pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Bar, marking a historic moment as it was the first time a pope has acknowledged this community at such a prominent venue. The gathering was particularly significant for the Bar pilgrims, who felt honored by the pope’s recognition.

Accompanying the group were Monsignor Rrok Gjonleshaj, the Archbishop of Bar, and Don Simo Ljuljic, the General Vicar of the Archdiocese. They led approximately fifty pilgrims from various parishes, primarily from Bar, Ulcinj, Podgorica, and Tuzi, on this spiritual journey to Rome as part of a Jubilee celebration. This pilgrimage comes every twenty-five years, with the last one for the Archdiocese occurring in 2000.

The pilgrimage began on Wednesday, with the group traveling by bus to Durrës, then taking a ferry to Italy before arriving in Rome. Don Simo Ljuljic shared details of their itinerary, which included visits to four major basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore within Vatican City, as well as the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. John Lateran, located beyond the city walls.

In addition to these visits, the group also explored the Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Genazzano, situated in a rural area of Lazio. Don Simo emphasized the packed schedule designed to enhance the spiritual experience of the pilgrims.

The pope’s gesture of personally greeting the Bar pilgrims was attributed to the proper communication with the Vatican. Don Simo noted, “Pope Francis regularly welcomes pilgrims visiting the Vatican, but this requires prior notification and a formal request.” He highlighted the presence of Archbishop Gjonleshaj as a contributing factor to the warm reception, as their advance communication allowed them to be recognized alongside other pilgrims from dioceses worldwide.

This momentous occasion not only celebrated the faith of those from Bar but also reinforced the connection between local communities and the broader global church. The pilgrims returned with a renewed sense of devotion and gratitude, cherishing their experience in the heart of Catholicism.