On 8 August 2026, Bolsena celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s visit, a moment that left a lasting mark on the town’s religious and civic history.
To honour this significant occasion, two commemorative events have been organised.
Thursday, 30 July – 9:15 PM
Remembering Pope Paul VI
📍 Garden of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament – Piazza Santa Cristina
The evening programme includes:
Institutional greetings;
Reading of the historical account of the visit;
Testimonies and memories from those who witnessed the event;
Reading of the Papal Bull proclaiming the Church of Santa Cristina a Minor Basilica;
Closing remarks.
Sunday, 9 August – From 10:15 AM
Naming Ceremony of Piazza Paolo VI
Programme:
10:15 AM – Gathering at Piazza Nassiriya (“Lower Square”);
10:30 AM – Unveiling of the commemorative plaque and information panels dedicated to Pope Paul VI, followed by the blessing led by Bishop Gualtiero Sigismondi, Bishop of Orvieto-Todi;
10:45 AM – Departure of the procession;
11:00 AM – Arrival at the Basilica of Santa Cristina;
11:15 AM – Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.
These events offer an opportunity to remember one of the most significant moments in Bolsena’s recent history and to honour the Pope who visited the town in 1976.
