What Happens in a Papal Audience

The day begin with the faithful lining at security to enter St Peter square/Audience Hall.

​When is best to access the security line? It depends on your decision. The soonest you get there the most you secure a seat, nevertheless early there are large groups of pilgrims in line as they wish to secure to be sat together.
Around 8.45am the line is shorter.
It's important to be in the square around 9.00am because anytime the Pope enter the square on the papal mobile to get in closer touch with the partecipants.

Pope Francis loves to spend time among the faithful for a rapid exchange of greetings, a handshake, a hug to the sick, a kiss to the children. 
This is a very exciting moment as one can get very near to the Pope. Of course if you don't get a seat (because you arrived late) moving easily you can get in closer touch with the Pope.

The Pope gets on his seat on the sagrado (just in front of the  church facade)  and the audience begin.

Pope Francesco read a passage of the gospel and share his reflections with the audience. He usually gives a large commentary in italian and a briefer one in other languages.
Many languages will be used depending on the groups in the square.
The groups of pilgrims attending the audience are introduced to the Pope too.

The final moment is the Papal blessing addressed to the audience and all their beloved ones.

Pope Francis remains on the sagrado to cheer personalities or special guests, (ex. recently married couples).
when he leaves the basilica is re-opened to the ones who attended the audience.

The square is emptied.

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Timings

from 7.00am to 9.00am
Security check to enter St Peter square/Audience Hall
​
between 9.15 and 10.00am
the pope is in the square to greet the partecipants

around 10/10.30am
the papal audience begin

around 11.30/12.00
the papal audience ends

the square is emptied

around 1.00pm Saint Peter basilica re-opens

Where can you find security check, just outside the square