Pope Leo XIV keeps three main public appointments with the faithful: the Wednesday General Audience, the Sunday Angelus, and periodic recitations of the Holy Rosary. Each one has its own day, time and purpose. This guide explains when each takes place, how to follow it from home, and how to bring its blessing into your own life.
When Is Pope Leo XIV's General Audience?
The General Audience is held on Wednesdays, usually starting between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Rome time. Depending on the season and the number of pilgrims expected, it takes place either in St. Peter's Square or inside the Paul VI Audience Hall.
During the audience, the Holy Father delivers a catechesis (currently a series of reflections on the Second Vatican Council's Sacrosanctum Concilium) greets pilgrims by language group, and closes with the Apostolic Blessing for everyone present.
A few things to keep in mind:
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The General Audience does not take place every single Wednesday. It is suspended during the Pope's travels, in the summer break, and on some feast days.
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The Vatican publishes the confirmed date and location a few days in advance on its official calendar of activities.
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Even without attending in person, the blessing given at the end of the audience is imparted to everyone following it, including remotely.
The Sunday Angelus: A Shorter, Weekly Moment of Prayer
Every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Rome time, Pope Leo XIV appears at the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square for the Angelus. During the Easter season, this prayer is replaced by the Regina Caeli.
The appointment is brief (about 15 to 20 minutes) and includes a short reflection on the Sunday Gospel, the recitation of the Angelus (or Regina Caeli), and a final blessing over the crowd. Unlike the General Audience, no ticket or registration is required, and it is held virtually every Sunday of the year, weather and travel schedule permitting.
When Does Pope Leo XIV Lead the Rosary?
Unlike the General Audience and the Angelus, the Rosary is not a fixed weekly appointment. Pope Leo XIV leads or joins its recitation on specific occasions, most often tied to prayer for peace or to Marian devotion:
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Extraordinary prayer vigils for peace, such as the Holy Rosary prayed in St. Peter's Basilica during the Easter Octave.
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The Marian month of May, closing with a public recitation at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, joined by shrines around the world.
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October, the month of the Rosary, when the Pope has invited the faithful to pray it daily and has personally led evening recitations in the Vatican.
Because these dates change from year to year, the best way to stay informed is to check the Vatican's official calendar close to these periods, or to follow Vatican News, which announces each Rosary appointment in advance.
How to Follow Pope Leo XIV Live, Wherever You Are
You don't need to be in Rome to take part in any of these moments. All three are broadcast live and free of charge through:
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Vatican News (vaticannews.va) — live streaming and full text of the Pope's words in multiple languages.
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Vatican Media's official channels on YouTube and social media.
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Vatican Radio and partner Catholic broadcasters, which often carry the audio live and rebroadcast it later the same day.
If you follow live, you receive the same Apostolic Blessing given to those present in St. Peter's Square — physical presence is not a requirement for the blessing to reach you.
Weekly Appointments at a Glance
|
Appointment |
Day |
Time (Rome) |
Ticket needed |
Frequency |
|
General Audience |
Wednesday |
~9:00–10:00 a.m. |
Free, requested in advance |
Most weeks, with breaks |
|
Angelus / Regina Caeli |
Sunday |
12:00 p.m. |
No |
Almost every Sunday |
|
Rosary |
Variable |
Variable |
No |
A few times a year |
Bring the Blessing Home: The Papal Blessing on Your Devotional Items
Following the Pope live is one way to feel close to these moments. Another is to bring that same blessing into an object you can hold, wear or pass on.
Savelli Religious, in St. Peter's Square since 1898, offers a complimentary service dedicated to exactly this: rosaries, crucifixes, medals and other devotional items purchased through Savelli can be brought into St. Peter's Square during the General Audience or the Sunday Angelus to receive the Pope's blessing before being shipped to you, together with a keepsake parchment noting the date and, if you wish, the name of the person the blessing is dedicated to.
It's a simple way to turn a General Audience or an Angelus you followed from home into something tangible for yourself, or as a gift for a Baptism, First Communion, wedding or other special occasion.
Discover Savelli Religious's Papal Blessing service →
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Pope Leo XIV and the Augustinian Order: A Guide to the New Papacy→
