Pope Francis Travels to Venice, Addresses Climate Change and Overtourism in First Trip in 7 Months

Pope Francis made his inaugural journey outside of Rome in seven months on Sunday, traveling to Venice, Italy for a one-day pastoral visit. The 87-year-old pontiff toured an art exhibition in a women's prison, addressed challenges facing the city such as climate change and overtourism, and acknowledged the difficulties of the papacy during Mass in St. Mark's Square.

The Pope began his visit by flying directly by helicopter from the Vatican to the Giudecca women's prison, where the Vatican's pavilion for the Venice Biennale international art exhibition is located. Titled "Con i miei occhi" ("With My Eyes"), the exhibition features works created by the incarcerated women in collaboration with artists. Francis praised the prison system for offering detainees opportunities for personal, spiritual, cultural, and professional growth, saying it is essential to give them new possibilities rather than isolate their dignity.

After meeting with the women prisoners and Biennale artists, the Pope addressed a group of young people in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. He encouraged them to rise from sadness, remember their value in God's eyes, and find hope in community. "You young people, do not be afraid to get involved, to enter into the realities that need to change," Francis said. "The Lord is counting on you."

During an open-air Mass attended by thousands in St. Mark's Square, Pope Francis reflected on the role of Christians in fighting global challenges through solidarity, justice, and genuine community. He emphasized the importance of remaining united in the love of Christ and called for "carefully-made choices to preserve our environmental and human heritage" in Venice, which he said is "called to be a sign of beauty available to all, starting with the last, a sign of fraternity and attention for our common home."

Why this matters: The Pope's trip to Venice highlights the city's role as a bridge between East and West and a place of cultural exchange, while also drawing attention to the environmental and tourism-related challenges it faces as a fragile UNESCO World Heritage Site. His messages of inclusion, hope, and care for the environment and the poor resonate beyond Venice and Italy, as communities around the world grapple with similar issues.

The visit was an important outing for the Pope, who has been hobbled by health and mobility problems in recent months. Despite these challenges, he read three speeches and a homily, moving around the city by wheelchair, golf cart, and motorboat. The Vatican is planning an ambitious 12-day trip for Francis to Asia in September, underscoring his commitment to engaging with the world despite his physical limitations. The Pope closed his trip to Venice by entering the Basilica of St. Mark to venerate the relics of the saint before returning to Rome.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis visited Venice for a one-day pastoral trip, his first in 7 months.
• He toured a women's prison, addressed youth, and celebrated Mass in St. Mark's Square.
• Pope's messages focused on inclusion, hope, environment, and care for the poor.
• Visit highlighted Venice's cultural role and challenges like climate change, overtourism.
• Despite health issues, Pope committed to engaging globally, planning Asia trip in Sept.