(ANS \u2013 Rome) \u2013 Barriers now line the courtyard, flags and banners hang from the windows of the Salesian Headquarters, and rows of chairs are being arranged to accommodate the hundreds of faithful expected. The preparations of the Sacred Heart community in Castro Pretorio for the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV are visible in every detail. On the morning of Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Holy Father will make his pastoral visit to the community \u2014 the third visit to a Salesian community since his election to the Throne of Peter, following those to Castel Gandolfo and Turkey in July and November, respectively. A momentous occasion is therefore approaching for the Salesian parish, renewing its historic bond with the Bishop of Rome and the local Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the logistical arrangements, a wave of hope and expectation has animated the community for nearly a month, ever since the visit was officially announced. Hope, closeness, emotion, gratitude, grace, and enthusiasm \u2014 these are the words most frequently heard among those joyfully awaiting the Pontiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPope Leo\u2019s visit is a powerful sign of consolation and encouragement for us,\u201d says Patrizia Germiniano, a volunteer at the Pastoral Listening Center. \u201cEvery day we meet wounded people, tired families, faces marked by hardship. Knowing that the Holy Father is coming here, to our neighborhood, means that the Church sees and listens alongside us. I hope his presence will renew in all of us the certainty that no one is invisible in the eyes of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor us catechists, this visit is an immense gift,\u201d adds Giovanna Luchi. \u201cWe teach children and young people to love the Pope and to feel that they are a living part of the Church. Now they will be able to see the Successor of Peter in their own parish. It is an occasion to rediscover the beauty of simple faith and to help the little ones understand that the Church is close, tangible, and alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paolo Maggio, the parish organist, speaks of emotions already taking shape: \u201cI am preparing the music with great excitement. The liturgy always has a special power, but when the Pope presides, it becomes a moment that enters history. I hope every note will help the assembly pray from the heart, and that the music will serve as a bridge between our community and the Holy Father, united in one praise to the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alejandro Rivera, one of the many homeless people in the area \u2014 and himself a volunteer at the Pastoral Listening Center \u2014 represents the most vulnerable group with whom and for whom the Salesian parish works daily. He too expresses deep emotion: \u201cFor me, it is something I never would have imagined: the Pope coming here, where I have found constant help and strength when I had nothing. Today I can also help others who live on the streets. His visit fills me with great joy. I come to Mass every day, and now I feel part of the Church, not on the margins. I hope to greet him and thank him, because when the Church reaches out to the poor, it makes us feel like children, not outcasts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Sacred Heart community experiences this visit as a time of grace,\u201d comments the Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Francesco Marcoccio. \u201cIt confirms our vocation to be a basilica with an open heart, especially toward the most vulnerable. Welcoming the Holy Father means renewing our pastoral and missionary commitment. We hope this day will strengthen communion and ignite in everyone a renewed love for Christ and for the Church.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His words are echoed by the pastor, Fr. Javier Ortiz, who describes the visit as \u201ca great grace, a gift the Holy Father is giving us. He is coming to us,\u201d he continues, \u201cwho are geographically at the center, yet in many ways a periphery. It is beautiful to feel the closeness of our Pastor and the Bishop of Rome. We hope this visit will renew our entire pastoral ministry and help us reach those who are alone \u2014 especially the many elderly \u2014 and draw closer those who feel distant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a Salesian house, the voice of young people could not be absent. Sara Benatti, active in the parish Youth Center, concludes: \u201cWe are full of enthusiasm! For us young people, it is wonderful to know that the Pope is coming right here, to the place where we grow up, pray, and dream about our future. It is as if he were saying to us: \u2018The Church is counting on you.\u2019 I hope his visit will give us the courage to live our faith with joy and to be a light among our friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pope\u2019s visit to the Sacred Heart community is an event that strengthens Salesian identity and renews the commitment to be an educational and pastoral presence among young people and the most vulnerable in the heart of the city of Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those unable to attend in person may follow the event via live stream at 8:50 a.m. (UTC+1) on the Vatican News YouTube channel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n