On Thursday, May 14, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will pay a pastoral visit to Sapienza University of Rome. 

“I would like to thank Pope Leo XIV,” says Rector Antonella Polimeni, “for this visit, which represents a message of peace and hope at a historic moment marked by tensions and conflicts. The Pontiff’s focus on the world of education and research takes on profound significance and underscores the University’s role as a builder of bridges of dialogue between cultures and generations.”

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to arrive at 10:20 a.m. at the “Divina Sapienza” University Chapel, where he will be welcomed by Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Rector Antonella Polimeni, and Chaplain Father Gabriele Vecchione. He will then remain inside the chapel for a brief moment of silent prayer and greet a group of students. The Pope will then travel by car to the Main Campus' central plaza, where he will greet students at the monumental staircase.  At 10:45 a.m., he is scheduled to hold a private meeting with the Rector in the Rectorate building and sign the Libro d’Onore. Then, at 11:00 a.m., in the corridor in front of the Studio di Rappresentanza, a plaque commemorating the visit will be unveiled, followed by a greeting to the members of Sapienza's Academic Senate and the Board of Governorns. Furthermore, Pope Leo will visit the exhibition “Sapienza and the Popes,” set up on the university grounds. Then, at 11:30 a.m., in the Aula Magna, he will deliver a speech to the students, faculty, and technical-administrative staff.