The pilgrimage, in which thousands of people are expected to participate, has begun in Fátima: Pope Benedict XIV. A special prayer will be made for Leo

Fátima, one of Portugal's most important religious pilgrimage centers, hosts the International Anniversary Pilgrimage held on 12-13 October. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which is one of the last major pilgrimage organizations of the year. In this year's program, Pope Benedict XIV announced that he would have surgery due to a nodule in his lung. A special prayer for Leo's health will also be included.

Two-day international pilgrimage program in Fátima

Peregrinação Internacional Aniversária, held in Santuário de Fátima, takes place on 12 and 13 October.

This year's visit program is headed by Archbishop of Braga D. José Cordeiro.

The October pilgrimage to Fátima is linked to the anniversary of the Fátima apparition events, which in Catholic tradition are believed to have occurred in 1917.

October 13 has special significance as the anniversary of the last appearance in the Fátima narrative.

For this reason, many visitors from different countries of the world come to Fátima every year.

Pope Benedict XIV Prayers will be made for Leo's health

One of the highlights of this year's program is Pope Benedict XIV. Special prayer call for Leo's health condition.

In his statement after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11, the Pope announced that doctors had detected a limited nodule in his lung at an early stage and that he would undergo surgery to remove it.

According to the statement, the operation will be performed at Gemelli Hospital in Rome in the coming days. is planned to be carried out.

Carlos Cabecinhas, Rector of the Fátima Shrine, stated that special prayers will be made for the Pope's health and recovery during the pilgrimage.

These statements do not mean that the surgery took place or that the result of the operation is clear.

The Pope's visit to Fátima in 2027 is also on the agenda

The management of the Fátima Shrine was carried out by Pope Benedict XIV. He also expresses his hopes that Leo will be able to visit Fátima in 2027.

Rector Carlos Cabecinhas stated that they wish such a visit to take place, but the Pope's program will be decisive.

Therefore, there is no officially confirmed papal visit for 2027.

If any visit takes place, the date and program must be announced separately by the Vatican.

Important information for those traveling to Fátima

Fátima is located in central Portugal, within the municipality of Ourém, and encounters heavy visitor traffic, especially during major pilgrimage events.

You can reach the region from Lisbon, Porto and other cities by bus and private vehicles.

On big event days such as October 12-13, there may be vehicle congestion, parking shortages and visitor mobility around the temple.

Those who will travel to the region on these dates should check transportation times in advance, take into account any delays that may occur due to crowds, and follow the temple management's current program announcements. It will be useful to follow.

The event program and visitor information are published on the official website of Santuário de Fátima.

Resources

- Renascença — Fátima convida peregrinos a rezar pela saúde do Papa Leão XIV, Olímpia Mairos, 12 October 2026

- Santuário de Fátima — Official pilgrimage and event information