General Audience - Vatican

If it is outside (nicer weather), then the crowd gathers during the morning hours (get there earlier for closer seats), the Pope arrives on the Pope-mobile and is driven around through the audience up to the main stage area. He then addresses the crowd in many languages and does a blessing of the crowd. Different people in the crowd will likely respond loudly when he begins addressing in their language. You will also see brides and grooms dressed in their wedding attire for a blessing of newly wed couples.

Hello Adryn,
We've been to two audiences in the last three years. Both were very worth attending. The Holy Father is a profound person and a great leader. He has a way of looking into the crowd and making eye contact of every attender. Get there early, sit near the end of the isle, expect to go thru a security check, have your camera ready, and relax and soak in the papal experience.

Also, enjoy the hospitality of the staff and clergy of Santa Susanna in Rome. We always enjoy the 6 o'clock Mass the evening before the audience at Santa Susanna every time we go.

Have a wonderful time at the audience!!!

Jim

Adryn, we just attended the Audience this last Wednesday and it was a wonderful experience. work through your archdiocese to get tickets and do go early. We were there in line at 8 am, they opened the gate up about 8:20 and we got seats in the 2nd room in about the middle - were about 8-10' from the Holy Father when he went by in the Popemobile! It began at 10:30 and ended close to noon. Afterwards we went to lunch and then to the Vatican Museum so it was a full day!

And most importantly, if you need to go the ladies room - allow at least 45 minutes!

Thank you all so much for the invaluable information!

Best,
Adryn