The pilgrimage this year will have a special visit. The great festival in honor of the Divine Eternal Father, on July 5th, will have the presence of the Pontifical Commission adviser in Latin America and apostolic former nuncio in Brazil, Cardinal Don Lorenzo Baldisseri.

He will preside over the Solemn Mass, with the presence of authorities, at 8am on the external altar of the Sanctuary Basilica Square. On the same day, Don Lorenzo will follow agenda in the Capital of the Faith of Goiás, which includes visits to Carmel of Trindade, the Village São José Benedito Cottolengo and yet the construction site of the New Sanctuary.

Trajectory of the Cardinal Don Lorenzo Baldisseri

Between 2002 and 2012, Cardinal Don Lorenzo was the representative of the Pope in Brazil and brokered the appointment of bishops in Brazil and the relations between the Holy See and the Brazilian Government. The period was marked by the signing of the agreement Brazil/Holy See, concerning the legal status of the Catholic Church in Brazil.

In 2012, the priest was appointed by the then Pope Benedict XVI for the position of secretary of the Congregation for Bishops, one of the most important dicasteries (departments) of the Roman Curia.

The following year, Don Lorenzo was appointed secretary of the College of Cardinals. Moreover, as the secretary of the Conclave that elected Pope Francis. After the new pope’s election, he was the first cardinal appointed by Francisco. Yet in 2013, he was chosen to be secretary general of the Synod of Bishops and member of the Congregation for Bishops. In 2014, he became advisor to the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.