Hundreds of people ask for an audience with the Pope every day. As a rule, everyone who is correctly represented is sent an invitation to meet with the Pope. But what kind of audience - personal, collective or group - you get, depends on your status and the purpose for which you are asking for an audience.
Instructions
Step 1
For a meeting with the Pope, please contact His Holiness's office at Sua Santità Papa Benedetto XVI PP, Via del Pellegrino 00120 Citta del Vaticano. Each person asking for an audience fills out a questionnaire with a recommendation attached. This is usually a letter of recommendation from a spiritual father or parish priest. In the application form, be sure to indicate the address of your place of stay and contact phone number. Not only Catholics, but also representatives of other religions can be awarded a meeting with the Pope. But their requests for a meeting must be supported by a Catholic.
Step 2
A reply and an invitation to an audience will be sent to you in a few days. If you are considered an important enough person, you will receive a badge indicating the location. If you just get a general audience pass, then the seat is not reserved for you.
Step 3
The general audience with the Pope takes place in the Vatican, in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesdays at 11.00. If you have a general pass, it makes sense to come earlier. Good spots are usually taken well in advance. At the audience, the Pope welcomes and blesses all those present. If you are not a Catholic, you may not cross yourself when you pray. Remember the dress code. Clothing should be soft and appropriate for the occasion. Dark colors are preferred. Long sleeve desirable. Pants for women are allowed. Jewelry and adornments are not allowed. In a word, a strict business suit. Also, women must cover their heads.
Step 4
Cardinals, ambassadors of states and, of course, heads of state are honored with a personal audience with the Pope. If the petitioner possesses any important information, he will be invited to a special audience with the Pope.
Step 5
If you are invited to the baciomano, or hand kissing ceremony, stand in line with the other invitees. When the Pope enters the hall, get down on one knee. If the Pope signals you to get up, you can do it. Otherwise, stay in this position for the rest of the ceremony. The Pope passes each of those present so that everyone can kiss his ring and receive a blessing. Sometimes the pontiff addresses those present with a question or exchanges a few words. Remember that the address to the Pope should be “Your Holiness”. The ritual of kissing the hand requires a strict dress code. Men come in evening suits or business cards. A tie is required. Women wear formal black dresses with long sleeves. A veil or mantilla is required. Jewelry is prohibited. If you are not a Catholic, they will explain to you before the ceremony when and how you should kiss the Papal ring. If you think this is unacceptable for yourself, it is better to refuse the audience altogether.
