"I was only once in Portugal many years ago, on the way to Rome, in a plane that stopped off in Lisbon," he said in an interview with Portugal's Catholic radio Renascença. "I want to go to Portugal for the centenary, but in 2017 it will also be 300 years since the discovery of the image of the Virgem Aparecida [in Brazil], so I also want to go there and promised to go there."
Francis first explicitly stated his desire to visit Fátima in 2017 at a private audience conceded to the bishop of Leiria and Fátima, António Marto, in April this year.
In the interview with Renascença, the pontiff mentioned two concerns he wanted to discuss with Portugal's bishops, relating to young people and the catechism.
"Young people are more informal, they have their own rhythm, we must let them grow and accompany them with prudence, know how to listen to them a lot," he said. "A young person is restless, they don't want to be disturbed. Sometimes they disagree, they're growing up, we need to let them grow up ... respect them and speak to them very paternally.
"It's a challenge," he concluded.
Asked how the faithful in Portugal can prepare for his visit, as only the second pope ever to come to the country, Francis said by "praying".
On Saturday Marto said that the pope's number two, the Vatican's secretary of state, Pietro Parolín, is to preside over the international pilgrimage of October 2016 at the Portuguese shrine, in order to prepare the Pope's visit the following May.
Asked how the faithful in Portugal can prepare for his visit, as only the second pope ever to come to the country, Francis said by "praying".
Not quite true. Both Paul VI (in 1967 for the 50th anniversary of Fatima) and later John Paul II, came to Portugal.
By Martin Symington from UK on 16 Mar 2016, 12:03
What is the date the pope will be in Fatima is it may 2017 or is it October 2017
By Dwight from USA on 04 Sep 2016, 19:26
I pray that Pope Francis will consecrate RUSSIA to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Fatima, Portugal. Otherwise there will be terrible problems for the Roman Catholic Church and all of Christendom.
Our Lady has asked for this since 1917 and no Pope has answered Her.
Please for the sake of the world, Pope Francis must do this.
By Michael Swain from Other on 16 Sep 2016, 04:34
Happy to know that Rev Pope will be there,and I will join too
By Nasir Gill from Other on 01 Oct 2016, 18:03
I m so happy to listen this news plss tell me exact date of pop coming
By Kashif ghouri from Other on 01 Nov 2016, 07:46
We want visit to Portugal Pope Francis program so I want get visa.
By Akash Masih from Other on 08 Jan 2017, 07:27
I need help for poor chrisrians peoples all our the world specially live in pakistanis peoples is so worried jesus is my hope and jesus always in heart .its my humble request so please give me help i am very thankful to you .
By Roofus from Other on 01 Mar 2017, 10:20
I am very glad to know about pop visit to Portugal so I want to attend crowd please get visa to me evangelist usman from pakistan thanks a lot
By Usman from Other on 03 Apr 2017, 16:22