In a joint press conference with Naples’ Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, Franklin Graham shared why he came to southern Italy for this weekend’s evangelistic outreach.
“I have a short message of hope. Hope for this life and hope for the life to come,” he said, communicating the same Gospel message with the press that he’ll share today with the public. “It is a great privilege to be here.”
More than 340 churches are partnering with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for the Noi Festival at Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples’ vast square.
Bordered by a large basilica and the city’s Royal Palace, the area is popular with locals and tourists—brimming with places to grab an espresso or enjoy delicious pasta and pizza.
Festival attendees and passersby alike will hear Saturday’s encouraging, life-changing message.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live music from award-winning singers Christine D’Clario and Charity Gayle.
Thousands of people throughout the Campania region and beyond have been preparing for the Gospel outreach, with evangelistic training and prayer gatherings for pastors, women, and students.
In addition to cars, trains, and motorbikes, more than 100 buses are bringing people to the event, including many who have been the focus of fervent prayers from Christian friends and family members.
This is the third consecutive year Franklin Graham has preached in Italy, with 23,000 attending events in Milan in 2022 and Rome in 2023—the largest evangelical outreaches in Italy’s modern history.
Naples is expected to follow suit, with a blessing by the city’s mayor.
“We have always had a solid relationship with the evangelical community of Naples based on the principles of brotherhood and solidarity,” said Mayor Manfredi.
“It is very important and an honor that the international community has decided for the first time to come to Naples and therefore choose our city for this great event.”
On Friday, Franklin Graham indicated his upcoming message to the Italian community will be simple and welcoming.
“What I’m here to do is preach Jesus Christ,” he said. “This is God’s message for all of Italy. It’s God’s message for Europe … for all people.”
