Every day, hundreds of people ask for an audience with the Pope. 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 ask for an audience.
Instruction manual
1
Request a meeting with the Pope at the Office of His Holiness at Sua Santità Papa Benedetto XVI PP, Via del Pellegrino 00120 Citta del Vaticano. Each requesting audience fills out a questionnaire, which is accompanied by recommendations. This is usually a letter of recommendation from a confessor or priest in a ward. In the application form, be sure to include the address of your place of stay and contact phone number. Not only Catholics, but also representatives of other religions can be honored with a meeting with the Pope. But their requests for a meeting must be supported by the Catholic.
2
An answer and an invitation to an audience will be sent to you in a few days. If you are considered a sufficiently important person, you will receive a pass indicating the place. If you get just a general pass to the audience, then the place is not reserved for you.
3
A general audience with the Pope takes place in the Vatican, in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesdays at 11.00. If you have a common pass, it makes sense to come earlier. Good places are usually occupied long before the start. At the audience, the Pope greets and blesses all those gathered. If you are not Catholic, during prayer you may not overshadow yourself with a cross. Remember the dress code. Clothing should be dim and appropriate for the occasion. Dark tones are preferred. A long sleeve is desirable. Pants for women are allowed. Jewelry and jewelry are not allowed. In a word, a strict business suit. Also, women necessarily cover their heads.
4
Cardinals, ambassadors of states and, of course, heads of state are awarded personal audiences with the Pope. If the petitioner has any important information, he will be invited to a special audience with the Pope.
5
If you are among those invited to baciomano, or the rite of kissing your hands, stand in a line with the other guests. When Papa enters the hall, kneel down. If the pope signs you up, you can do it. Otherwise, stay in this position until the end of the ceremony. Dad goes through each of those present so that everyone can kiss his ring and receive a blessing. Sometimes the pontiff turns to those present with a question or exchanges a few words. Remember that the appeal to the Pope should be "Your Holiness." The rite of kissing the hand involves a strict dress code. Men come in evening suits or business cards. Must have a tie. Women wear strict black dresses with long sleeves. Mandatory veil or mantilla. Jewelry is prohibited. If you are not Catholic, before the ceremony they will explain to you when and how you should kiss the Papal ring. If you consider this unacceptable for yourself, it is better to refuse an audience altogether.
