Pope to visit Fatima in 2017

Pope Francis has confirmed that he will visit Portugal for the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Fatima, in 2017, writes Filipe Avillez. Following a private audience with the Pope, the Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, António Marto, said Francis had expressed the desire to make the trip, provided he is still “alive and healthy”. The most likely date would be around 13 May, the centenary of the first apparition, or 13 October, the centenary of the “Miracle of the Sun”.